Cartridge upgrade for LP12/Ittok LVII

lancslinn

Hi! This my first post so go easy! After many years I'm getting my 87 vintage LP12/valhalla/Ittok serviced. Cirkus upgrade going in. Dealer suggests replacing my Roksan Corus Black with an adikt. I had a K9 and it was awful, so I'm a bit wary. Any advice welcome.

Abandonflip · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:58 pm Post subject:

You could do much worse than to go for the ultimate '80s Linn combo by adding a Troika.

They come up now and then on the obvious auction site, and with an Expert Stylus rebuild can give even the Akiva (which is better suited to the Ekos) a real run for its money.

lancslinn · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:49 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that. I did wonder about a Troika. Any idea of the cost?

Ton_Bos · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 1:22 pm Post subject:

Hard to say. Recently a Troika "in good shape" went for nearly 500 pounds on eBay. I obtained one with a broken cantilever half a year ago for 80 pounds; retipping added another 200 euro + 20 more for postage.

markcass · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:03 pm Post subject:

Hi,

FWIW, the Adikt is cut from the same cloth as the Roksan Chorus - i.e. a modified Goldring 1000-series. It would probably sound very different from a K9, which of course was based on an Audio Technica design. The main advantage over the Goldring from a practical point of view is shared with the Roksan: threaded inserts for the mounting bolts.

Mark

DaveyW · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:42 pm Post subject:

Hi Lancslinn - Welcome to VE,

Such a simple question and yet.....

There's a huge flavour and variety to choose from and in my experience the LP12/valhalla/Ittok combo can do justice to a very wide range of carts.

I do have a website (see bottom of my post) with a link where you can down load some clips of a number of carts recorded from a LP12/valhalla/Ittok II.
This might help you decide what you're after.

My Pick of the newer carts at a variety of proce points is as follows;

AT 0C9 ML 2: Amazing detail but possibly on the bright side for some though (Remains my fav - just!)
AT 440MLa: Similar to the OC9, not quite as open and possbily even a tad brighter.
Denon DL 110: Fantastic value for money, warmer than the AT 440MLa
Denon DL 304: Top notch detail and insight, tames a little of the brightness of the AT 0C9 MLII
Dynavector
DV 17D3 Karat: Similar to the Denon DL304

Happy hunting
Dave

flavio81 · contributor Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 519 Location: Lima

DaveyW · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:36 pm Post subject:

Thanks Flavio - No Bowing required! All for the good of the cause. Smile

vincula2008 · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:11 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Just wanted to add my two-pence worth to the very good recommendations you've already received. What about a Benz? An ACE or even a Glider. A Zyx, a Sumiko, a Shelter, a Blue Note, a Transfiguration, a Dyna...

With your rig, I'd aim for a top-notch MC. The Adikt is just fair, and stupidly priced for what it does.

Listen, have fun and shop around Cool

Regards,

Vincula
_________________
Amor vincit omnia

flavio81 · contributor Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 519 Location: Lima

vincula2008 · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:53 pm Post subject:

LOL

!
Well, that's certainly another option: buy one used or ex-demo in pristine condition.
As shown above, some things can turn into classics; others don't Wink

Regards,

Vincula
_________________
Amor vincit omnia

lancslinn · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:48 pm Post subject:

Many thanks to everyone for their advice. I'm going to make a start by listening to the Adikt and also the AT OC9 and see if I like the sound of either better than the Roksan Black. Reassuring to learn that the Adikt is more like the Black than the K9. Just found the receipt for the Black - it is very old! Not damaging records yet says the dealer but clearly I'm into new cartridge rather than new stylus territory. I'll let you know how I get on. The rest of the system is Musical Fidelty P140 and 3a with B&W speakers - all from the late 80's.