Yes, it is smoother and sounds more extended and airy. Measure your 2:00 setting impedance and select the closest resistor to that value. I found that the replacement had even more extension, so I suggest you consider perhaps a slightly higher round up value revisit or to your measured impedance.
I used 2 way tape and hot glue to set the resistor on top of the existing pot and simply resoldered the leads. Easy to change out if you change your mind.
It is worth the effort to give it a go.
Ken