I have had Dynavectors 10x5, 20XL, 17Dmk2 and now XX-2 mk 2. I also owned the Shelter 90x. The Shelter was the best. All these carts are good, but I think the real wow factor starts at the 17D, it has the best treble I've heard, better than any of them, so good that it makes it sound to light in the bass. The XX-2 is more well rounded and quieter, but maybe not quite as thrilling. The 90x is hard to describe, it didn't do anything that stuck out but music was just more magical to listen to through it. I have some recordings that I made with it and it is easy to tell that it is better even by listening to the CDRs I made from it. I've never listened to the lower Shelters but I would doubt they are anything like the 90x. The 90x did not seem as good in regards to surface noise however, the XX-2 is better in that regard.
If I were you I'd go for either the 17D or XX-2, unless you are willing to jump up to a 90x or 9000.
If I were you I'd go for either the 17D or XX-2, unless you are willing to jump up to a 90x or 9000.