Dynavector DRT XV-1s Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

The Dynavector DRT XV-1s is a reference-grade moving coil cartridge that combines an array of eight Alnico magnets, a 6mm solid boron cantilever with PF line contact stylus, and Dynavector's Direct Rear Terminal (DR-T) construction in an African ebony wood body. With 30dB channel separation, frequency response within ±1dB, and 30-micron PCOCC coil winding, the XV-1s represents Dynavector's engineering philosophy taken to its logical conclusion: every element of the cartridge optimized as a complete system, not as individual components.

The XV-1s earned The Absolute Sound's Golden Ear Award in 2001 and has maintained its position as one of the most respected reference cartridges in high-end analog. This is the cartridge for systems where the turntable is the primary source and every element of the chain is chosen to extract everything from the groove. At this level, the XV-1s rewards meticulous setup, a quality phono stage (Dynavector's P75 Mk4 in PE mode is a natural match), and a rigid, well-damped tonearm. The payoff is a level of musical truth that justifies the investment.

Key Features of the Dynavector DRT XV-1s

• 6mm Solid Boron Cantilever: Boron's exceptional stiffness-to-mass ratio provides fast transient response and extended high-frequency performance, second only to diamond among cantilever materials.
• PF Line Contact Stylus (7 x 30 Micron): The line contact profile traces the groove wall with a narrow, elongated contact patch, reading high-frequency information that spherical and elliptical profiles cannot reach, with lower record wear per play.
• Eight Alnico Magnet Array: Unlike single-magnet designs, the XV-1s uses eight small Alnico magnets arranged to create an extremely uniform, stable magnetic field around the generator coils.
• Magnetic Flux Equalizer: A specially designed flux equalizing piece placed in the magnetic gap ensures consistent field strength across the full range of coil motion.
• Magnetic Stabilizing Coils: Additional coils wound on the front yokes stabilize the magnetic field during dynamic passages, reducing distortion at high signal levels.
• Square Armature Design: A square-shaped front aperture with matching square armature improves coil alignment and reduces magnetic hysteresis compared to round designs.
• 30-Micron PCOCC Coil Winding: Pure Copper Ohno Continuous Casting wire at 30-micron gauge provides extremely low mass and resistance in the generator coils.
• African Ebony Wood Body: Selected for its density, rigidity, and natural damping characteristics, ebony provides an optimal acoustic environment for the generator assembly.
• Direct Rear Terminal (DR-T) Construction: Output pins connect directly to the coil winding with no intermediate solder joints or wire runs, preserving signal purity from generator to phono stage.

Direct Rear Terminal (DR-T) Construction

The "DRT" in the XV-1s designation refers to Dynavector's Direct Rear Terminal design. In a conventional cartridge, the signal generated by the coils must travel through several solder joints and short wire runs before reaching the output pins. Each connection introduces a small but measurable degradation: contact resistance, potential micro-arcing, and thermal noise. The DR-T approach eliminates these connections by routing the coil windings directly to the rear terminal pins. The result is the shortest, most direct signal path possible, preserving the full resolution of the generator assembly's output.

Eight-Magnet Alnico Circuit

The XV-1s departs from the single or dual neodymium magnet approach used in most MC cartridges. Instead, eight small Alnico magnets are arranged around the generator to create a field that is both stronger and more uniform than what a single magnet can achieve. Alnico (aluminum-nickel-cobalt) magnets have a naturally smoother field gradient than rare-earth magnets, and by using eight of them, Dynavector creates a magnetic environment where the coils operate in a near-ideal linear zone regardless of their position. This is complemented by the flux equalizing piece in the magnetic gap and the magnetic stabilizing coils on the front yokes, which together maintain field consistency even during large stylus excursions.

African Ebony Body Construction

While most phono cartridges use metal or plastic bodies, the XV-1s is built in a body of African ebony wood. Ebony is one of the densest hardwoods available, with excellent natural damping characteristics that absorb rather than reflect mechanical vibrations from the tonearm and platter. The wood body provides a fundamentally different resonance signature than aluminum or brass, one that Dynavector has found to be optimal for the XV-1s generator's performance envelope. The result is a cartridge that allows the signal to emerge from a quieter mechanical background, with less coloration from body resonance.

PCOCC Coil Technology

The XV-1s uses 30-micron PCOCC (Pure Copper Ohno Continuous Casting) wire for its generator coils. PCOCC wire is drawn through a heating and cooling process that produces a single-crystal copper conductor without the grain boundaries found in standard OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) wire. Grain boundaries act as micro-resistors and signal barriers in the conductor. By eliminating them, PCOCC wire offers lower resistance and more transparent signal transmission. At 30 microns, these coils are extremely fine, keeping the moving mass low for faster transient response.

Explore the Full Dynavector Cartridge Range

The DRT XV-1s is the penultimate cartridge in Dynavector's lineup. Explore the full range:

• DV-10X5 Mk2 - Entry-level MC with dual output at $800.
• DV-20X2 - Mid-range with flux damper and softened magnetism.
• DV-20X2A - Upgraded micro-ridge stylus with PCOCC coils.
• XX-2A - Boron cantilever and line-contact stylus.
• Karat 17DX - Diamond cantilever in 24K gold-plated body.
• Te Kaitora Rua - Flagship-tier boron cantilever with softened magnetism.
• DRT XV-1t - Dynavector's ultimate statement with diamond cantilever and DR-T.

The Listening Room Difference

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Dynavector DRT XV-1s Specifications