Thanks again for all the advice. And thanks @Polk432 for the Ittok sale. It arrived in excellent condition!
@Stanwal, you are correct in stating that the stock Systemdek would not be a good match for the Ittok. However, I've modified mine extensively and would probably have to spend a considerable amount to get better. I've got a new motor (same as Linn and Rega uses), rebuilt bearing using a Harley Davidson bottom-end bearing (very hard and smooth) and a decent amount of Dynamat. I've also got the 20mm ISOTeknik acrylic platter, not the 10mm glass platter.
So, I was skeptical about the arm making THAT much difference. If I had replace the arm first, then the cart, I would be inclined to say that the cart was the reason for the better sound. However, in this case, I've had a few weeks with the XX2 in the Basik before I upgraded to the Ittok. The XX2/Basik was pretty good. The XX2/Ittok is stunning and takes the XX2 to a whole new level that I didn't think would have been possible.
It's like going from an art gallery that has a lot of art stacked up and on the white walls with lots of bright light verses an art gallery that uses black walls and spot lighting to emphasize specific paintings. The art itself is the same, but the clarity and emotional connection you make with the gallery that emphasizes quality over quantity is much deeper.
I was frequently startled at drums and high-hat on recordings that I've had for years and years. I didn't realize they were so lifelike.
Some examples: "Angry Eyes" on the first Loggins & Messina LP became like listening to the master tape. The bass was solid as a rock, you could hear the material that made up the bass drum heads. Spot imaging on the tambourines, flutes, etc. All on a "black" background in a way I've never heard before. And this is original issue vinyl.
Everything I've got on Deutsche Grammaphone sounds even more lifelike and remarkable. Especially Russo's Street Music.
On the original issue of Dire Straights, "6-blade knife", same thing. However, at the end of the track, I was really bummed that I still had alot of noise in the phono preamp (P-75). Wait, I didn't listen long enough before I made that judgement call... the master tape volume was decreased and there was pitch black until the volume was turned up again for the lead into "Southbound again". Wow! Didn't know that was there!
For the P-75 vs. PS Audio, I might try it again, but so far I think the synergy between the XX2 and the P-75 gives it an edge. There are some interesting mid-range qualities that the PS Audio have, but it seems the noise floor is higher. If anything, I might try to upgrade the P-75 to a MkII version.
Otherwise, I'm a happy camper.
