Before I upgrade my cart from Dyna 20xl to an XX2


I have a Scoutmaster with the 9" arm, MuFi A308 Amp, using it's internal phono stage, and Vandersteen 3a Signatures.

I listen to mostly Classical, large-scale and chamber/solo. I'm very happy with the sound and I have very few lp's in which tracking is a problem. For the most part I enjoy big, open and rhythmically-lively sound. My only complaints have been regarding choral and solo piano music, esp. towards the end of records: the sound can get a little bit "tizzy." (Even on previously unplayed--undamaged--records).

Dense, climactic passages, (of course at the end of pieces and thus usually in the last parts of the lp), also "thin" a little bit in sound, compared to the beginning of the record. I've read up on the physics of Lp's and understand that the thinness towards the end of records can be an inherent problem with the Lp format.

I hasten to add that overall, I'm still a big fan of Lp's. Overall.

My question: I don't want to trade up unless the XX2 will markedly improve the sound at the end of records by yielding increased transparency, bloom and air. Will someone who's been on this path, preferably with the same equipment, let me know his or her feelings on the matter? Thanks.
jdaniel13
Forget any other protractor but the MINT. Do it yourself...that's the only way it will be done correctly. Take your time...the process is tedious, and you will get tired. Put it away, have a drink and watch TV. Come back to it tomorrow. If you do it correctly, you will be awe struck at the difference.
I've gone from 17D2 MKII, to 17D3, to the XX2 MKII. It tracks perfectly from beginning to end of the album. I use a VPI SSM with sig. 9" arm. Sound wise a BIG improvement over either of the other Dynavectors i mentioned. (and they were both very nice) FWIW i preferred the 17D2 over the 17D3.
I'm also contemplating getting XX2 mk2 in the near future and i have not owned nor heard Dynavector before. How is XX2 Mk2 better than the 17D3? Better weight/body to the mid range? etter bass?
Most or all who have used the MintLP, from rank amateurs like myself, to designers and manufacturers of turntables agree, the MintLP is extremely accurate by any measure. Improvements across the board have been made on set up pretty much regardless of the previous method employed. You owe it to yourself to purchase this precision tool, so you will have the peace of mind in knowing your set up is the best it can be. (Providing azimuth, anti-skate, and etc. are properly adjusted as well). At the price these are sold for, there can be no better dollars spent on your analog front end.

Regards,
Dan