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.

>>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.<<

Irrelevant.

See my previous post regarding alignment, cantilever, and cartridge body.

To address Ducatirider's earlier point, the cantilever on the 17D3 is indeed very small vis a vis the other Dynavector cartridges. No doubt about it.

For this reason, it is very useful to have a magnifying device to properly align the cartridge.

I assumed, perhaps in error, that most people have one in their set up kit.