Dynavector XV-1S vs. Benz LP-S

bwright -- Wed, 06/29/2011 - 17:09

Hi all,

I just took the plunge and purchased a Brinkmann Bardo (with glass mat/clamp) and a Graham tonearm. Now comes the cartridge - has anyone heard the Dynavector XV-1S vs. the Benz LP-S? I've listened to the LP-S with the Bardo/Graham, which sounded superb - but have been told the Dynavector may be a better match with this particular table/arm. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Bill

analogman -- Fri, 07/15/2011 - 21:04

I'm not certain how you have gone about determining your cartridge choices. Not that they aren't good. Certainly you have chosen a terrific sounding table and arm. However, at these cartridge prices, you have many other choices available to you. You might want to consider a Lyra Titan i or a Transfiguration Orpheus, both wonderful cartridges. BTW, you don't mention what kind of phono preamp you are using which will have much to do with the sound of any cartrdige. Cartridge set-up and your experience with it will determine how well any of your choices will perform as well. Have you tried to ask your dealer/distributor their opinion? Also, Acoustic Sounds and Music Dierect have TT people who have heard and sell many of the cartridges available today and can help you as well.

Best of Luck!

bwright -- Sun, 07/17/2011 - 00:33

Many thanks for the commentary - I've read your posts on the Morel loudspeakers, as I heard them at CES as well. And interesting you should mention the Music Direct/Acoustic Sounds referrals. I buy the bulk of my LPs from both firms, and Music Direct had a TT expert on staff who was the one who made the Dynavector recommendation. Like minds, indeed...

My selection process was based on advice from the fine folks at Music Lovers Audio in San Francisco, where I purchased the table and arm. They are friendly, professional and patient, and have the best listening showrooms in the city.

The phono will be the Nagra VPS.

All said, what is your personal impression of the Lyra Titan i? I've read wonderful things about it.

analogman -- Sun, 07/17/2011 - 04:27

Thanks for the clarification regarding my questions. The Nagra is a nice phono pre.
The Lyra Titan i is extremely neutral, exceptionally dynamic - some say the leading edge transient is too pronounced and not realistic but exciting for listening unless the recording is too agressive in which case the Lyra becomes too agressive. Who knows? What's realistic? Carnegie Hall is - not your stereo. The Transfiguration Orpheus Low Ouptut - I own it and it comes in a higher output as well - is extremely dynamic and some say having more realistic leading edges than the Lyra. I don't know since some of that characteristic can be attributed to the recording as well and your VTA setting. I like them both. They are eminently musical.
The Dynavector is a favorite of mine as well. Exceptionally musical, perhaps a tiny bit warmer than the others - some say it is just a bit dark, I'm not among them. So musical, not in the sense of the Koetsus, it is addictive. Perhaps it will convince the listener that he is listening to the real event? More than the others? Hmmmm............ At times maybe.
I am not a fan of the Benz. I owned two Rubys and having left them behind for the Transfiguration I now am aware of their colorations. My taste and yours might be different. If you like the Benz line, buy it.
As I stated earlier set-up is crucial regardless of your cartridge choice. I use a Wally Tractor and encourage you to buy a competing brand which will enable you to align your cartridge on an arc rather than the simple cross hairs supplied by most arm manufacturers. Careful tracking force is best attained by careful listening although you should strive to stay within the mfg suggested range. I change VTA for each record based on record weight and the groove cut for best performance. I believe you can do this with your arm. Cartridge loading will be made depending on your entire system's sound. Most mfgs know this and only provide you with a vague loading range. Again, I think set-up is so crucial that any sound description of a cartridge might not be accurate.
Cheers!