Would a Dynavector XX2 MkII be good upgrade?

I've had the 10x5, 20XL, 17Dmk 2 and now the XX-2 mk 2. They are indeed better as you move up the ladder. The 17D is pretty special though, it might beat the treble, it is soooo pure and extended but it may be just a little light sounding because of that. If money was tight and you can live with a little light sound in the bass then the 17D is a winner, but the XX-2 is more well rounded.

Audiomax mentions Shelter carts. I had a 90X before downgrading to the 20XL (bad move) In my opinion the 90X is better than any of the Dynavectors I have tried. It has a real magic that none of the Dynavectors quite have. Though it ought to since it retails for about 1200 more than the XX-2. A more fair comparison might be with the XV-1S.

Hi Ian,

I'm loving it in my Signature Scout, I would think you would, too. Did you ever get a good speaker match for your room? You were having problems finding speakers that would get the bass right in your room, as I recall. Any luck?

Regards,
Dan

Madfloyd:
The Dyna XX2MkII is a wonderful cartridge.I'm using it on my Graham Phantom mounted on a Raven One. My previous table was the Scoutmaster signature. Dynas are great matches for the VPI arms, but set up is tricky.
I ran ZYX and Koetsu carts on my jmw 9 sig with great results, BUT it was a struggle to get the set-up spot on correct(I was never sure I actually got it). I'd recommend getting the mint LP tractor. It's so much more precise than the VPI set up instrument. An extra $100 would allow you to optimize the performance of the XX2 that you paid for. It's the whole package. With meticulous set up you'll be amazed. Enjoy.

Thanks for the responses.

I do own a MintTractor and used it to setup my 20XL. I *think* I got it correctly but I had changed cartridges at the same time so couldn't do an A/B test.

From some email I received, I understand the XX2 is very finicky about setup and that you can get most of the benefits of this cart from the easier-to-setup 17D (but perhaps less bass).

Dan, you're using the XX2 with what arm? I didn't sort out my speaker issue yet, but it hasn't stopped me from enjoying vinyl. Moving up a Rhea Signature helped in a big way. Currently auditioning a Steelhead but first impressions are that it sounds too dry...

I don't believe the XX2 is any more difficult to set up than the 17D3.

I wouldn't consider the Steelhead "dry" by an means but it certainly sounds different than the Rhea.

Dealer disclaimer.