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Dynavector XX2 MKII? Your thoughts of it?

Hello fellow Audiogon members, I had recently purchased a new mega RP8 turntable to replace my old Systemdek back in february. Since May I had a Dynavector 20x2L mounted on it and had tremendous synergy and results with it. Love it. Now one of my dealers has a lightly used Dynavector XX2 MKII. As his back up cartridge at home with about a 1000 hours on it. But because of his recent cartridge purchase his wife wants him to sell it. He offered me $400 cash for it.
Should i jump on it?
Also Is the XX2 MKII a better cartridge over the Rega Apheta? 
And what sort of difference dose the XX2 have over 20x2L and would it be an upgrade for the RP8?

128x128jakecanada
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effischer
562 posts
 
$400 for an XX2 Mk. II with 1000 hours is a fair deal, presuming that the stylus itself is in good condition.  You should look at it under a microscope if possible to be sure there are no pits, striations, cracks or uneven wear.

I can't speak to the Soundsmith upgrade as I haven't heard it, but the XX2 is a much more refined cartridge than the 20X2L.  Good enough that even small tweaks to VTA can make a world of difference.

Good luck & happy listening!
rossb
185 posts
 
He's a dealer and his wife is demanding that he sell a cartridge? Sounds fishy to me...

1000 hours is too much for a used cartridge, even assuming that this is an accurate estimate.

I'd definitely prefer a Dynavector to the shrill sounding Rega Apheta, but this one doesn't sound like a bargain to me.
goheelz's avatar
goheelz
297 posts
 
Offer $200 for the cartridge. That'd be a fair deal, in my opinion, given the long hours, no warranty, sketchy story, etc.

Good luck.
jakecanada's avatar
jakecanada OP
80 posts
 
It's not the dealer who is selling it to me it's one of the salesmen who works there. Like I said he has some very high end gear and takes care of his stuff! I just can't  afford a new XX2 cartridge. So I thought this would be a good way to get into and a teast of highend without spending the full price. And when I have the funds later to get it retiped. Also to use the 20x2 as a spare. But I could probably get it for around 250-300$ too.
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