Changing from an XV1-S

"... years in the hobby and business has taught me the latest is not always the greatest"
Well said Bill.

Usually I stay out of threads that venture of into personal preferences because it’s mostly a lost cause in that everyone is entitled to their own opinion no matter how I feel about their point of view. However, I do enjoy learning why individuals have specific preferences. It seems like there are a good many valid pints on this topic. However, if the guy doesn't like the sound of his current cart and wants to change (only the cartridge)...

I've heard and set up a few of these "top" cartridges in my system or extremely familiar systems of friends. At this level of performance (not cost) it ultimately boils down to listener preference in addition to the way the arm, table and downstream components integrate. (Un)fortunately there are very few systems that are alike in total presentation of sound, components, and environment. Each becomes unique from that context. However, even though different, systems can be tailored to deliver the music (your favorite kind) the way you, the owner, wants it.

Then there are those of us who want the natural face of an incredibly wide range of music genre and styles without the makeup for better or for worse. Thom, what was the definition of insanity again?

Dre

Said Frogman: "Etched" is probably one of the last words that I would use to describe a component that, to me, sounds realistic.

I agree entirely with this statement. In addition, etched has never entered my mind with regard to any live symphony concert I've ever attended. What has come to mind, and quite frequently, have been terms and phrases like rounded, easy on the ears, richly textured and softly contoured. Further, I do not hear live the kind of squeaky clean neutrality that some regard as being synonymous with "realistic" sound. Notwithstanding what I've said, all of us are certainly entitled to enjoy the kind of sound that most pleases our ears.

when the OP, Dcarol, used the word 'etched'....

What I liked about the Ortofon was the speed and 'etched' realism that the XV1-S seamed to lack in comparison.

.....above; my take on his meaning is quite different from the negative connotation that 'etched' typically means when describing an edgy or sterile sounding upper frequencies.

i say this because the A90 is the opposite of 'etched' as that word is typically used. the high frequecies of the A90 are open, natural and smooth. i believe Dcarol was referring to the level of detail and vividness and not to any sort of 'lack of naturalness'. in direct contrast to the Dyna XV-1s the A90 does not obscure detail and articulation in the bass with a slight darkness and warmth; it's open and clear. again; this is just in direct contrast. i would not describe the XV-1s as dark or overly warm but it does sit toward that direction from the strictly neutral (at least to my ears from my year of owning one). the magic of the A90 is how it pulls off the trick of neutrality and detail with naturalness. it's forgiving but not at a cost.

i've owned 7 vdH Colibri's; now there is a cartridge which can sound a bit etched when all is not well. it can drive you out of the room. it is knife edged. too much high frequency energy which can teeter out of control sometimes. the A90 never is like that.

all these audiophile terms can sometimes get us off on tangents.

Now where is Raul to add his MM spice to this conversation!! sorry my bad :-)

I own the XV-1, A90 and a Technics EPCP100Mk4 MM cartridge as well as a number of other MM's amd MC's. The 25 year+ old technics is in no way inferior to either MC cartridge, nor is it better.

None of these are new technology (outside of the A90's very advanced SLM body) but all are refinements of the manufacturers designs.

I believe the poser will be happiest with the A90 within his search criteria. It is more transparent than the XV-1 and has the uncanny knack of being more pure sounding, if your system is indeed up to it. The XV-1 has a consistency of sound that is great as well.

The A90 is in the almost unqique position of being competitive with ANY competitors best cartridge and is cheaper than the majority of them. still a lot of money thou.

But what do I know, I prefer in most respects my 30 year old DD table to my TW raven AC-3.

Mike,

Can you give a frequency range where you think the XV-1s obscures bass?

I am a bit familiar with the Lyra. How would you describe the a90 compared to Lyra? Not which is better, but how do they differ in character?