Would a Dynavector XX2 MkII be good upgrade?

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.

The XX2 MKII is as easy to setup than the 17D3 is. In my system neither the 17D2 MKII, or 17D3 comes close sonicly to the XX2 MKII. I think its closer in performence to the cartridges above it than the models below.

>>You sort of have to guess that the cartidge body is aligned with the cantilever on the 17D3<<

The cartridge body has nothing to do with cartridge alignment.

Only the cantilever.

an XX-2 has a 6mm cantilver length. the 17D3 only 1.7 mm.