Thanks for all the comments. I'm heartened to hear that at least some think that the ruby cantilever might even improve the excellent sound I was getting from my XX2 MkII. I did send it off to Soundsmith, and will wait 3 months. I don't mind this as $350 seems a reasonable repair price for a $2K cartridge.
In the meantime, I've purchased a new Lyra Delos from Hi-Fi Heaven. It's in the system but I've only had it for one night. I would say that there is definitely more clarity in the high frequencies. My system is a bit in flux at the moment so I'm not sure what I'll end up preferring and keeping once I have the DV back to compare.
I will say that if I break another cantilever, my next cartridge will be the Dynavector 17d3 with it's ridiculously short and well-protected tip.
In the meantime, I've purchased a new Lyra Delos from Hi-Fi Heaven. It's in the system but I've only had it for one night. I would say that there is definitely more clarity in the high frequencies. My system is a bit in flux at the moment so I'm not sure what I'll end up preferring and keeping once I have the DV back to compare.
I will say that if I break another cantilever, my next cartridge will be the Dynavector 17d3 with it's ridiculously short and well-protected tip.