Would a Dynavector XX2 MkII be good upgrade?

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.

The XX-2 is easier to set up than the stubby 17D3. The cantilever is longer. You sort of have to guess that the cartidge body is aligned with the cantilever on the 17D3. You can even download a protractor from vinyl engine. Just don't print to scale when printing.