Your Impressions of the DV XX2 MKII


Are you using or have you used the DV XX2 MKII? I am getting ready to replace my 20xl and am leaning towards the XX2. Any comments on your impressions of this cartridge would be appreciated.
stickman451
Recently went from the 20X,HO to the XX2. A giant improvement:
tighter base, smooth mids, clean extended highs. Much "faster" than the 20X. Music is more "right",I Could never go back.No tracking issues with a Graham Phantom arm. I had to have my Audible Illusions 3B modified with the John Curl Gold Phono boards-turn around time 48 hours.
Had a DV XX2 MKII 3 years ago on and SME V arm. I still miss it up to this day - even after 2 XV-1s & 2 Vdh Colibris! It had a magic with the ARC Ref Phono, smooth from top to bottom. Awesome bass and dynamics, sounded supper with any LP I threw at it - this can't be said with some higher-fi carts. The XV-1s does have more delicacy and resolution, but I suspect you will be very happy with the XX2, especially at a third of the price! If only my "helper/maid" didn't take a feather duster to my turntable :-(
I use the XX2 MKII on my Amadeus GTA. It is the only real table and cart I have had but I can say that I am very pleased with the music I get from this combo.
I currently have this cart on a Scoutmaster with the JMW9 arm and am very happy. No mistracking or other misbehavior. That said it is very fiddly to set up. Thanks to Soundsmith and the counter intuitive and the heavy mounting hardware and a Mint protractor it can be done. Orders of magnitude better than the DV20XH it replaced.
Thanks for all the feedback. I ordered the XX2 yesterday and should have it setup by late next week! I will report back on the results once I put a few hours on it and it 'settles' in.