Audio T Verdict
The Dynavector DRT XV-1s is a cartridge that only really makes sense as part of a carefully considered analogue system. Its 0.3mV output places it firmly in low-output moving-coil territory, while the 12.6g body, solid-boron cantilever and fine PF line-contact stylus all mean turntable, tonearm and phono-stage matching deserve proper attention.
The generator is particularly distinctive. Rather than using one very powerful magnet, Dynavector surrounds the magnetic circuit with eight small Alnico magnets and divides the magnetic path into two. A magnetic flux equalising component, stabilising coils and the company's Flux Damper system are all used to maintain a more consistent magnetic field around the moving coils.
The square-shaped armature and matching square front-yoke aperture are another important part of the design. Dynavector developed the geometry so that the coil assembly moves within a more evenly distributed magnetic field rather than experiencing significantly different conditions as it moves away from its central position.
The mechanical side is just as serious. A PF line-contact diamond with a 7 x 30-micron radius sits on a 6mm solid-boron cantilever, while the coils use fine 30-micron PCOCC copper wire. African ebony is used within the structure supporting the magnetic system.
Electrical matching is relatively straightforward once you understand what is required. Internal impedance is 6 ohms and Dynavector recommends a load above 30 ohms. The 0.3mV output, however, means you need a genuinely suitable low-output MC phono stage or correctly matched step-up arrangement rather than an ordinary MM input.
At 12.6g the XV-1s is heavier than many conventional cartridges, so make sure the tonearm can balance it correctly before ordering. Tracking force should be set within Dynavector's specified 1.8–2.2g range and the fine line-contact stylus deserves accurate geometric alignment.
Dynavector now lists the XV-1s as discontinued, so availability may be limited. If you have found one, however, it remains an extremely sophisticated cartridge and one that deserves to be installed and matched with the same care that went into designing it.
Dynavector DRT XV-1s Reference Moving Coil Cartridge
The DRT XV-1s is a low-output moving-coil cartridge using Dynavector's multi-Alnico magnetic system, Flux Damper technology, solid-boron cantilever and PF line-contact stylus.
Key features include:
- Low-output moving-coil design
- 0.3mV output at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
- Eight small Alnico magnets
- Dual magnetic-path architecture
- Dynavector Flux Damper
- Magnetic stabilising coils
- Magnetic flux equalising component
- Square-shaped front-yoke aperture
- Matching square-shaped armature
- African ebony magnet support
- 30-micron PCOCC coil wire
- PF line-contact diamond
- 7 x 30-micron stylus radius
- 6mm solid-boron cantilever
- 0.3mm cantilever diameter
- 20Hz–20kHz ±1dB frequency response
- 30dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 1.0dB channel balance at 1kHz
- 10mm/N compliance
- 1.8–2.2g tracking force
- 6-ohm internal impedance
- Recommended load above 30 ohms
- 12.6g cartridge weight
Low-Output Moving Coil
The XV-1s produces:
0.3mV at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
This is substantially lower than the output from a typical moving-magnet or high-output moving-coil cartridge.
A phono stage therefore needs to provide suitable low-noise MC gain before the signal reaches the rest of the amplifier.
A Standard MM Phono Input Is Not Suitable on Its Own
The XV-1s is a genuine low-output moving-coil cartridge.
Use a suitable MC phono stage, head amplifier or correctly matched step-up transformer rather than connecting it directly to a conventional MM-only phono input.
6-Ohm Internal Impedance
Dynavector specifies an internal impedance of:
6 ohms.
The recommended load impedance is:
Greater than 30 ohms.
Choosing the Right MC Phono Stage
A suitable phono stage needs to address both the cartridge's output and its electrical loading.
Look for:
- Sufficient gain for a 0.3mV cartridge
- Load impedance above 30 ohms
- Low input noise
- Accurate RIAA equalisation
- Suitable overload margin
Gain and Loading Are Different
Gain determines how much the tiny cartridge signal is amplified.
Loading is the electrical impedance the phono stage presents to the cartridge.
Both need to be appropriate; the correct impedance setting does not compensate for insufficient gain.
Eight Alnico Magnets
The XV-1s generator uses eight small Alnico magnets rather than relying on a single large magnet.
Dynavector divides the magnetic path into two and uses the multi-magnet arrangement to control the magnetic field around the moving coil assembly.
Why Alnico?
Dynavector uses Alnico in several of its more advanced cartridges because of the material's magnetic characteristics.
The company's approach focuses not simply on achieving a very strong magnetic field but on maintaining stable and predictable magnetic behaviour within the generator.
Magnetic Flux Equalising Component
A specially designed magnetic flux equalising component is positioned within the magnetic gap.
Its role is to help maintain a more homogeneous magnetic field across the area in which the moving armature operates.
Magnetic Stabilising Coils
Dynavector winds stabilising coils onto the front yokes.
They form part of the complete magnetic-control system alongside the multiple Alnico magnets and Flux Damper.
Flux Damper
Dynavector's Flux Damper is designed to counter very small fluctuations in magnetic flux as the moving-coil generator operates.
A shorted winding around the front yoke produces an opposing magnetic effect when the magnetic field changes, helping stabilise the field within the cartridge motor.
Square Armature and Front Aperture
The XV-1s uses a square-shaped moving armature matched to a square aperture within the front yoke.
The front-yoke aperture and corresponding counterbore of the equalising component are shaped to follow the armature geometry.
The intention is to give the moving coil a more even magnetic environment throughout its small range of movement.
30-Micron PCOCC Coil Wire
The moving coils use:
30-micron PCOCC copper wire.
PCOCC refers to Pure Copper Ohno Continuous Casting, a method developed to produce copper with a highly continuous crystal structure.
Because the wire forms part of the moving assembly, its dimensions also contribute to the mechanical behaviour of the cartridge.
African Ebony
Dynavector uses African ebony within the XV-1s structure to stabilise the magnets.
The hardwood becomes part of the mechanical support for the magnetic system rather than merely serving as an external decorative finish.
PF Line-Contact Stylus
The XV-1s uses Dynavector's PF line-contact stylus profile.
The diamond radius is specified at:
7 x 30 microns.
The fine line-contact geometry is designed to trace detailed groove modulation while maintaining an extended contact area against the record groove wall.
Why Use a Line-Contact Stylus?
Compared with simpler spherical profiles, a fine line-contact design can provide:
- More precise groove tracing
- Better access to fine recorded information
- Accurate high-frequency tracking
- Extended contact along the groove wall
Accurate Alignment Matters
The advantages of a line-contact stylus make accurate installation particularly important.
Setup may involve:
- Overhang
- Offset angle
- Tracking force
- Bias or anti-skate
- Tonearm height where adjustable
- Azimuth where adjustable
Do Not Guess Cartridge Alignment
Use the correct alignment method for the tonearm being used.
Incorrect geometry with a fine line-contact stylus can increase distortion, compromise tracking and contribute to unnecessary stylus or record wear.
Solid-Boron Cantilever
The PF stylus is mounted to a:
6mm solid-boron cantilever.
The cantilever diameter is approximately:
0.3mm.
Boron combines very low mass with high rigidity, useful qualities for transferring microscopic stylus movement into the moving-coil generator.
12.6g Cartridge Weight
The XV-1s weighs:
12.6g.
This is heavier than many conventional cartridges and should be considered before installation.
Check Your Tonearm Counterweight Range
Confirm that your tonearm can balance a 12.6g cartridge while still allowing the required tracking force to be set correctly.
Some arms may require a heavier or alternative counterweight when used with a cartridge of this mass.
10mm/N Compliance
Dynavector specifies compliance of:
10mm/N.
Compliance describes the mechanical flexibility of the cartridge suspension.
It should be considered together with the effective mass of the tonearm rather than looking at cartridge weight alone.
Cartridge Weight Is Only Part of Tonearm Matching
The tonearm should also provide suitable effective mass, physical clearance, counterweight adjustment and cartridge alignment for the XV-1s.
If you are unsure, check compatibility before fitting the cartridge.
1.8–2.2g Tracking Force
Dynavector specifies:
1.8–2.2g.
An accurate stylus-force gauge is worthwhile when setting a cartridge at this level.
Do Not Deliberately Track Too Lightly
Setting the cartridge below Dynavector's recommended range does not automatically reduce record wear.
Too little tracking force can cause the stylus to mistrack and lose stable contact with the groove.
Bias or Anti-Skate
Once tracking force has been established, set the tonearm's bias or anti-skate using the procedure recommended by the arm manufacturer.
Do not assume that every tonearm uses the same adjustment method simply because the tracking force is the same.
20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
Dynavector specifies:
20Hz–20kHz ±1dB.
30dB Channel Separation
Published channel separation is:
30dB at 1kHz.
This describes the cartridge's ability to keep the left and right information encoded on the two groove walls electrically separate.
1.0dB Channel Balance
Dynavector specifies:
1.0dB at 1kHz.
A Phono Stage Is Essential
Do Not Connect the XV-1s Directly to a Line Input
An AUX, CD, tuner or other normal line-level input does not provide the gain or RIAA equalisation required by a phono cartridge.
The XV-1s must be connected through a suitable low-output MC phono stage or correctly configured step-up arrangement.
Using a Step-Up Transformer
The XV-1s can be partnered with a suitable moving-coil step-up transformer before a compatible MM phono stage.
Transformer matching should consider:
- The cartridge's 6-ohm internal impedance
- Transformer turns ratio
- The input impedance of the following phono stage
- Required overall gain
Choosing the highest transformer ratio is not automatically the correct approach.
Active MC Stage or Step-Up Transformer?
Both approaches can be appropriate.
The best option depends on the phono stage and wider system, so consider the complete cartridge-to-amplifier signal path rather than treating each component in isolation.
Stylus Care
Keeping the PF line-contact stylus and records clean helps maintain consistent groove contact.
Good practice includes:
- Keep records free from dust
- Use an appropriate stylus-cleaning method
- Lower the stylus using the tonearm cueing mechanism
- Avoid touching the boron cantilever
- Protect the stylus whenever working around the tonearm
The Stylus and Boron Cantilever Are Delicate
Do not apply sideways or forward pressure to the cantilever while cleaning the stylus.
A small accidental force in the wrong direction can damage the cartridge suspension or stylus assembly.
No User-Replaceable Stylus
Dynavector moving-coil cartridges do not have the removable stylus assembly commonly found on many moving-magnet cartridges.
Do not attempt to remove or replace the XV-1s stylus or cantilever yourself.
Dynavector Exchange and Rebuild Service
Dynavector provides an exchange service for eligible out-of-warranty moving-coil cartridges.
The company also offers a rebuild service for selected higher-end models, replacing the complete stylus assembly and damping components while retaining the existing body and magnetic assembly where appropriate.
Contact Audio T if your XV-1s requires inspection or servicing.
DRT XV-1s Versus DRT XV-1t
The XV-1s and XV-1t both sit within Dynavector's reference cartridge lineage but use significantly different electrical and structural arrangements.
DRT XV-1s
- 0.3mV output
- 6-ohm internal impedance
- Load above 30 ohms
- Eight Alnico magnets
- African ebony magnet support
- 30-micron PCOCC coil wire
- 6mm solid-boron cantilever
- PF line-contact stylus
- 12.6g weight
DRT XV-1t
- 0.35mV output
- 24-ohm internal impedance
- Load above 75 ohms
- Alnico magnetic system
- Heat-treated bamboo body
- Urushi lacquer finish
- 6mm solid-boron cantilever
- PF line-contact stylus
- 12g weight
Compare the Dynavector DRT XV-1t at Audio T.
Professional Installation Recommended
The XV-1s deserves careful fitting and setup.
Installation may involve:
- Cartridge mounting
- Overhang adjustment
- Offset-angle alignment
- Tracking-force adjustment
- Bias or anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm-height adjustment where available
- Azimuth adjustment where available
- Phono-stage gain setup
- Phono-stage loading
- Final listening checks
A cartridge is the first component to read the record groove, so an alignment error at this point affects everything later in the signal chain.
Current Product Status
Dynavector now lists the DRT XV-1s as a discontinued model and identifies the XV Prima as its successor.
Availability of the XV-1s may therefore be limited. Please contact Audio T to confirm stock before planning an installation around this specific cartridge.
Who Is the Dynavector DRT XV-1s For?
Well Suited To
- Reference-quality vinyl systems
- High-quality turntables
- Tonearms capable of supporting a 12.6g cartridge
- Dedicated low-output MC phono stages
- Suitable step-up transformer systems
- Carefully aligned analogue systems
- Customers wanting a solid-boron cantilever
- Customers wanting a fine line-contact stylus
- Existing Dynavector owners moving further up the range
Check Before Buying
- 0.3mV low output
- Requires suitable MC gain
- 6-ohm internal impedance
- Recommended load above 30 ohms
- 12.6g cartridge weight
- 10mm/N compliance
- 1.8–2.2g tracking force
- Tonearm counterweight range must be suitable
- Fine stylus requires accurate alignment
- No user-replaceable stylus
- Manufacturer now lists the model as discontinued
Key Features
- Dynavector DRT XV-1s
- Reference moving-coil cartridge
- Low-output MC design
- 0.3mV output
- Eight Alnico magnets
- Dual magnetic path
- Flux Damper technology
- Magnetic stabilising coils
- Magnetic flux equaliser
- Square front-yoke aperture
- Square moving armature
- African ebony magnet support
- 30-micron PCOCC coil wire
- PF line-contact stylus
- 7 x 30-micron stylus radius
- 6mm solid-boron cantilever
- 0.3mm cantilever diameter
- 20Hz–20kHz ±1dB
- 30dB channel separation
- 1.0dB channel balance
- 10mm/N compliance
- 1.8–2.2g tracking force
- 6-ohm internal impedance
- Recommended load above 30 ohms
- 12.6g weight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dynavector DRT XV-1s moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a low-output moving-coil cartridge.
Is this the stereo XV-1s?
Yes. This product is the stereo DRT XV-1s rather than the separate XV-1s Mono cartridge.
What is the output voltage?
0.3mV at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
Can I use it with a normal MM phono stage?
Not directly. The XV-1s requires suitable low-output MC amplification or an appropriately matched step-up arrangement.
What is the internal impedance?
6 ohms.
What load does Dynavector recommend?
Greater than 30 ohms.
Can I use a step-up transformer?
Yes, provided the transformer ratio, cartridge impedance and following phono-stage load are appropriately matched.
How many magnets does the XV-1s use?
Eight small Alnico magnets.
What is the Flux Damper?
Dynavector uses a shorted winding around the front yoke to generate an opposing magnetic effect when flux changes, helping stabilise the cartridge's magnetic field.
What is special about the armature?
The XV-1s uses a square-shaped moving armature working with a correspondingly shaped front-yoke aperture and equaliser structure.
What coil wire does it use?
Dynavector specifies 30-micron PCOCC copper wire.
What is the African ebony used for?
Dynavector uses African ebony within the structure supporting and stabilising the magnetic system.
What stylus does the XV-1s use?
A PF line-contact diamond with a 7 x 30-micron radius.
What is the cantilever made from?
Solid boron.
How long is the cantilever?
6mm.
What is its diameter?
Approximately 0.3mm.
What is the cartridge weight?
12.6g.
Will it fit every tonearm?
No. Check cartridge-weight capacity, counterweight range, tonearm effective mass and available alignment adjustment before installation.
What is the compliance?
10mm/N.
What tracking force should I use?
Dynavector specifies 1.8–2.2g.
What is the frequency response?
20Hz to 20kHz ±1dB.
What is the channel separation?
30dB at 1kHz.
What is the channel balance?
1.0dB at 1kHz.
Does the line-contact stylus require careful alignment?
Yes. Correct overhang, offset angle, tracking force and tonearm setup are particularly important with a fine line-contact stylus.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
No. Dynavector moving-coil cartridges do not have a user-replaceable stylus assembly.
Does Dynavector offer cartridge servicing?
Yes. Dynavector offers an exchange service for eligible cartridges and a rebuild service for selected higher-end models. Contact Audio T to discuss the appropriate option.
Is the XV-1s still a current Dynavector model?
No. Dynavector currently lists the XV-1s as discontinued and identifies the XV Prima as its successor.
Can Audio T fit and set up the cartridge?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss tonearm compatibility, cartridge fitting, alignment and phono-stage matching.
Related Dynavector Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Reference turntable and cartridge matching
- Tonearm compatibility checks
- Low-output moving-coil phono-stage matching
- Cartridge fitting and alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Bias and anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm-height and azimuth guidance
- MC gain and loading advice
- Step-up transformer matching
- Stylus-care guidance
- Dynavector exchange and rebuild advice
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to confirm availability and discuss whether the Dynavector DRT XV-1s is an appropriate match for your turntable, tonearm and phono stage.