Hi guys..

Anyone own or heard the XV1s in action please??

Thanks

That’s one of the cartridges I considered when I wanted a high end cartridge. Not heard it though as I discounted it by the fact that the cantilever is very exposed and expensive to repair should something happen to it. I’m sure the sound would be good though.
I got a Top Wing instead. It’s a low output MM cartridge with a replaceable stylus (by the factory) that sounds brilliant. When I put it in the system a couple of veils lifted compared to my Dynavector XX2 and the tracking is excellent!

AMR-iFi R&D

That's a very good point.So what would be an equivalent high end cartridge to look at in the $7500 region then?

Lyra Etna ?
$8350

Koetsu ?

Yes the Lyra is well respected for sure..

The Lyra would be nice as well but it also has a very exposed stylus.
I’d try a Koetsu Rosewood Signature, or a Benz Ruby Z.

AMR-iFi R&D

It always depends a lot on what you've been accustomed to enjoying previously...?

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

Lyra are also extremely well priced in NZ.
eg. the Etna is $8995usd is the US vs. $8350nzd

I like the exposed stylus, it's easy align, easy to cue.

My old Koetsu Urushi's stylus was well hidden by the bodywork and it was a low rider, making it a tricky cartridge to handle.

That’s a good price for the Lyra, almost a bargain!
Yes I guess some like the exposed cantilever. Not quite a fan though for me. The Benz looks fab in my eyes.
Of course andrewp, you might have a preference as well? The Dyna would be good, if you fancy one go for it!

AMR-iFi R&D

Well lets just say the really loooong cantilever has been a problem with my XV1...

OK, it sounds like exposed/nude cartridges are not andrewp's preference.

I don't expect that the XV-1's cantilever is longer than most others, it's just that the cartridge has no body & the cantilever is exposed (vulnerable) right up to the front pole piece/s.

In that case, the choice is narrowed down to 'non-nude' cartridges.

Next Q - did you like the sound of the XV-1?
And, any other cart's that you are familiar with?

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

Benz-Micro LP-S
ZYX cartridges
EMT cartridges (exposed so may not suit)

Decca for non-MC

Thanks for the help guys. Its appreciated. Very interesting to see the different costs for EXACTLY the same item in different countries. Even here in NZ some very different costs to Australia. And...in alot of instances these arent being held in stock so retailers cant say weve got them here and have invested in the product. The world is a global shop.. I know there will be people reading this that will remind me of back up and warranty etc which is a fair call. And lets be fair here.. We are all interested in getting the best outcome for ourselves here. Competition is a good thing. Crikey.. the business Im in there is very little interest in anything apart from how much it is!
Rant over..

Yes, would be interesting to know how come the NZ price of the Lyra's is so good compared to the US or EU prices.

I get apprehensive whenever I see those Clearaudio carts

Did I mention the (nervous) time I had with this borrowed ZYX Ayame?

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

That looks horrifying to set up! You’d be nervous and start shaking, and it looks delicate. Not a synergistic combo. 😳
Does Benz still have a distributor in NZ? I bought my Dyna XX2 from Totally Wired a while ago, nice couple in Dunedin. The Top Wing came from Melbourne at Pure Music Group.

AMR-iFi R&D

Yes theres a Benz dealer here.

If you have a belt drive TT, I wouldn't bother with Koetsu. (Sugano used a 401 & you'd want an idler or rim drive to get the best from this cartridge.)

If you enjoy a lot of classical, consider Miyajima, a very non-'hifi' sounding, all round cartridge but especially on classical.

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

I have a 401 in an OMA 100mm slate plinth. 12" Artemis arm.

Hi Owen, And why not bother with a Koetsu in a belt drive deck ? With apologies to the OP for hijacking the thread.

i successfully used koetsus in my linn and well tempered for many years

I've used a Supex SD900 very happily in my Gyro, which is why im asking the Question ?

sugano had nowt to do with supex

tinyurl.com/ycdp5z3f

Not nothing, just didn't design or build any Supex's

"I knew both Sugano and Asakura (Supex) personally, and certainly there was some connection between Sugano and Supex.

But as far as I know (rumors not withstanding), Sugano never designed nor built anything that was sold under the Supex brand.

regards,
jonathan carr"


Although I've not heard one, I can imagine an XV1s would work well on your 401, if it has even a slightly similar sound signature to the DV20x2.

So the rumor that he designed the SD900 and the connection to Koetsu is not true?

I never knew what a Koetsu (Rosewood/Rosewood Signature) sounded like & was never satisfied with it until & put it onto a rim drive.

Thanks to Jean Nantais...

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

On another thread, Gryffles has been enjoying a Phasemation cartridge.

AMR-iFi R&D

Theres lots to chose from and I really appreciate the input...thanks guys

Lyra Etna set up yesterday competently by Neil M.. Sounds nice but a tad "sharp/tangy" Everything else seems to be working nicely..