Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Exceptional channel separation provides precise imaging
- Superior magnetic stability with 8 Alnico magnets ensures consistent sound character and minimal magnetic shading
- Outstanding frequency response across the spectrum
- The sonic presentation is nothing short of extraordinary, and its ability to extract minute details while maintaining musicality is remarkable
- Individual impulses are reproduced with spectacular liveliness
Product Considerations
- Careful handling is required due to premium components
- Professional installation may be needed for optimal performance
- At 3.1 x 1.8 x 2.1 centimeters (length/width/height), it is very space-consuming and requires a headshell with enough room to operate
- A medium to very heavy (10 to 20 g effective mass) and above all stable tonearm is required
Takeaway: The Dynavector DV DRT XV-1S Moving Coil Cartridge stands as a testament to what's possible in vinyl reproduction and is an investment in musical truth. With its attention to detail, this system never lapses into tedious–dissecting analytics.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
DV DRT XV-1s
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Type: Low output moving coil cartridge with multi Alnico magnets and the Flux damper
- Output Voltage: 0.3 mV (at 1KHz, 5cm/sec.)
- Channel Separation: 30 dB (at 1KHz)
- Channel Balance: 1.0 dB (at 1KHz)
- Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz(±1dB)
- Compliance: 10 mm/N
- Tracking Force: 1.8 - 2.2 g
- Impedance: 6 ohms
- Recommended Load Impedance: > 30 ohms
- Cantilever: 6mm length solid boron
- Stylus Tip: PF Line contact shape, stylus radius: 7 x 30 micron
- Weight: 12.6 g
Description
The original XV-1 moving coil cartridge was designed to take the reproduction of analogue recording to new heights. The XV-1 moving coil cartridge achieved a standard of performance that was clearly in a league of its own. Dynavector have always remained indifferent to the endless digital formats that proport to be the next breakthrough in music reproduction, safe in the knowledge that the vast heritage of music recorded on vinyl can easily equal, if not clearly out perform these new formats.
The original XV-1 moving coil cartridge was designed to take the reproduction of analogue recording to new heights. The XV-1 moving coil cartridge achieved a standard of performance that was clearly in a league of its own.
Dynavector have always remained indifferent to the endless digital formats that proport to be the next breakthrough in music reproduction, safe in the knowledge that the vast heritage of music recorded on vinyl can easily equal, if not clearly out perform these new formats.
Dynavector are seriously committed to ensure the vinyl enthusiast is well catered for and the XV-1s phono cartridge is further proof of this on going commitment; yet another ground breaking product, uniquely Dynavector and flagship of the brilliant Dynavector cartridge range.
At a glance, the XV-1 moving coil cartridge was always different from all cartridges that have gone before. Its magnetic circuit comprises 8 small ALNICO magnets. The magnetic path is divided into two - In the magnetic gap, a specially designed magnetic flux equalizing piece is placed. On the front yokes, magnetic stabilizing coils are wound. By this special combination, the magnetic field becomes widely homogeneous and more linear than the conventional magnetic design that is common in existing MC cartridges.
The XV-1 phono cartridge has been awarded 'Golden Ear Award 2001' in the Absolute Sound magazine for ...
Dynavector have always remained indifferent to the endless digital formats that proport to be the next breakthrough in music reproduction, safe in the knowledge that the vast heritage of music recorded on vinyl can easily equal, if not clearly out perform these new formats.
Dynavector are seriously committed to ensure the vinyl enthusiast is well catered for and the XV-1s phono cartridge is further proof of this on going commitment; yet another ground breaking product, uniquely Dynavector and flagship of the brilliant Dynavector cartridge range.
At a glance, the XV-1 moving coil cartridge was always different from all cartridges that have gone before. Its magnetic circuit comprises 8 small ALNICO magnets. The magnetic path is divided into two - In the magnetic gap, a specially designed magnetic flux equalizing piece is placed. On the front yokes, magnetic stabilizing coils are wound. By this special combination, the magnetic field becomes widely homogeneous and more linear than the conventional magnetic design that is common in existing MC cartridges.
The XV-1 phono cartridge has been awarded 'Golden Ear Award 2001' in the Absolute Sound magazine for ...
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Dynavector cartridges, especially the DRT series, incorporate a unique Alnico magnet design featuring multiple magnets and a magnetic flux damper system, contributing to stable magnetic flux and reduced distortion.
- The brand's Karat series are known for their short, solid gemstone cantilevers (historically ruby or diamond), a distinct design choice aimed at increased rigidity and reduced resonance.
- Dynavector offers specific high-output moving coil cartridges, like the 10X5 models, engineered to be compatible with moving magnet phono stages, simplifying system matching for some users.
- Their cartridges benefit from the company's proprietary "softened magnetism" technology, which employs highly permeable materials to minimize magnetic flux fluctuations, yielding an improved signal-to-noise ratio and transient response.
Select products
Select product comparisons
10X5 MkII LOW
- Position: An entry-level low output moving coil cartridge known for its long-standing popularity.
- Description: Features a robust design with an aluminum cantilever and magnetic flux damper that delivers smooth treble response. Compared to the more advanced flagship models like the XV-1T or premium offerings such as the KARAT 17DX, its simpler structure and 0.5 mV output make it ideal for small rooms and budget-minded setups without demanding extra functionalities.
XX-2 MkII
- Position: A mid-range low output cartridge that emphasizes improved flux damping and stable alnico magnet performance.
- Description: Combines a solid boron cantilever with PCOCC copper coil technology to yield deeper bass and clearer treble than entry-level models. When compared to the 10X5 MkII LOW, its advanced design offers noticeable sonic improvement, yet it remains less sophisticated than the flagship XV-1T and the diamond-enhanced KARAT 17DX.
TE KAITORA RUA
- Position: A mid to high-range cartridge engineered with advanced materials and an optimized magnetic circuit.
- Description: Uses a titanium head, PCOCC copper coil, and a 6mm boron cantilever to achieve smoother tracking and enhanced musical openness. In contrast to the simpler 10X5 MkII LOW and the mature sound of the XX-2 MkII, its refined magnetic circuit and upgraded coil wire offer improved detail and clarity.
KARAT 17DX
- Position: A premium low output cartridge featuring a diamond cantilever aimed at high-end audio systems.
- Description: Features innovative elements such as a solid diamond cantilever and Samarium-cobalt magnets to deliver clear articulation and an extended frequency response. Compared to the mid-tier TE KAITORA RUA and XX-2 MkII, its advanced build and magnetic properties justify a higher cost.
DRTXV-1T
- Position: The flagship moving coil cartridge designed for ultimate performance in high-end audio systems.
- Description: Features multi-Alnico magnets, a unique square-shaped armature, and Flux Damping technology that together provide an exceptionally balanced and dynamic musical experience. Unlike more affordable models such as the 10X5 MkII LOW or mid-range options like the TE KAITORA RUA and XX-2 MkII, its advanced engineering and refined technology cater to buyers with higher budgets and the need for top-tier functionality in demanding environments.
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Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used For Sale
50
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
113
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
12
Founding Year
1974
Our take on the brand
Dynavector, a hifi cartridge brand with nearly 50 years of history, was the first to use gemstone cantilevers like ruby and diamond in their cartridges, while also developing unique technologies like the Flux Damper for improved magnetic linearity. Their cartridges are distinguished by the use of extremely fine wire coils and current amplification (rather than voltage) in their head amplifiers, making them particularly well-suited for low-output moving coil cartridges.
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What if you spend more?
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What competes at this price?
EMT Tontechnik
JSD Novel Titan
6995
/
Released
2021
Ultimate stereo cartridge with EMT multi-layer core transducer and titanium body
EMT Tontechnik, originally developed for German broadcasters, is renowned for its high-performance moving coil cartridges and digital reverb units that emphasize honesty and coherence. Their turntables and cartridges maintain a distinct sonic signature that blends transient speed with musical attack, while their reverb units, including the EMT 246 with its EMT 250 algorithm, are considered among the best digital reverbs ever made.
Expand Details
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Generous low-frequency transient textures, such as fingers plucking double bass strings
- Smoothness, refinement, good timbral balance, and commendable transparency
- Precise build quality
- Seamless delivery, producing musical pleasure on a rich, colorful pallet
Product Considerations
- The Titan does not include a stylus guard, which could be a problem for people with cats, children, or housekeepers
- A particular vocal sibilant characteristic—a super-narrow, almost sweet peak—was noted
- If hard rock is your thing—look elsewhere
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Original vs test pressing of The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark—the EMT's generous presentation of bass transient textures was there too, without overhang
Takeaway: The EMT JSD Novel Titan MC cartridge uses modern materials to enhance a classic design, delivering a fast and fresh sound. With its high output and precise build, it reliably delivers satisfying musical experiences.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EMT Tontechnik, originally developed for German broadcasters, is renowned for its high-performance moving coil cartridges and digital reverb units that emphasize honesty and coherence. Their turntables and cartridges maintain a distinct sonic signature that blends transient speed with musical attack, while their reverb units, including the EMT 246 with its EMT 250 algorithm, are considered among the best digital reverbs ever made.
Product Page
Product Page
TechDAS
TDC01
8338
/
Released
2024
The TDC01 cartridge features a novel egg-shaped housing which was chosen because of its unchallenged structural Section Modulus properties. This unique housing made of A7075 Super Duralumin, and although difficult to machine with such extreme precision, is an ideal form factor to dissipate extraneous energy coming from the record groove. This, in turn, allows the generator system to reproduce only the clean signal of the music itself.
TechDAS is a premium turntable brand that uses rare air bearing and vacuum hold-down technologies, designed by former Micro Seiki engineer Hideaki Nishikawa. Their Air Force series turntables combine high-mass chassis with advanced air suspension systems to minimize vibrations, while their vacuum hold-down system reduces record warping for better sound quality.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines a satiny top-end sheen with an authoritarian dynamic slam and impressive transparency
- Soundstages were deep and wide where appropriate
- Produced transient sharpness on the bottom and in the mids
- Tonally neutral-sounding
- Bottom-end extension and resolution of low-level detail were high quality
Product Considerations
- Super-refined reproduction of transients as somewhat on the polite side overall, and better suited to jazz and classical than to harder-edged rock, soul, and blues
- Requires a very low loading value to get the most out of it, surprising considering the recommended 100-200 ohms
- At 17gm, it is on the heavy side
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The TechDAS TDC01 Ti offered transparency similar to the Kuzma CAR-60
- The TechDAS TDC01 Ti also produced Proteus-like overall dynamic 'slam'
Takeaway: The TechDAS TDC01 Ti cartridge is a high-quality product that combines smoothness with dynamic slam, making for a refined sound. Its neutrality and detail make it a good choice for audiophiles who enjoy jazz and classical music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
TechDAS is a premium turntable brand that uses rare air bearing and vacuum hold-down technologies, designed by former Micro Seiki engineer Hideaki Nishikawa. Their Air Force series turntables combine high-mass chassis with advanced air suspension systems to minimize vibrations, while their vacuum hold-down system reduces record warping for better sound quality.
Product Page
Product Page
EMT Tontechnik
JSD Novel Gold
7995
/
Released
2021
Ultimate stereo cartridge with EMT multi-layer core transducer and high-density body
EMT Tontechnik, originally developed for German broadcasters, is renowned for its high-performance moving coil cartridges and digital reverb units that emphasize honesty and coherence. Their turntables and cartridges maintain a distinct sonic signature that blends transient speed with musical attack, while their reverb units, including the EMT 246 with its EMT 250 algorithm, are considered among the best digital reverbs ever made.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
EMT Tontechnik, originally developed for German broadcasters, is renowned for its high-performance moving coil cartridges and digital reverb units that emphasize honesty and coherence. Their turntables and cartridges maintain a distinct sonic signature that blends transient speed with musical attack, while their reverb units, including the EMT 246 with its EMT 250 algorithm, are considered among the best digital reverbs ever made.
Product Page
Product Page
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