What arm do you have on your LP12?

[andyr]

As I have never had a Linn arm on my LP12 (even when it was sold to me by the Linn dealer in 1978), I thought it was worth starting a thread about the different arms people run on their LP12s, just so people contemplating a change of arm can contemplate their options.

My LP12 was sold with a Dynavector DV505 - a top arm in its day but, if truth be told, a tad heavy for the suspension (you had to wind up the right-most suspension bolt a fair way! ).

I currently have a Graham 2.2 ... which is a lot lighter - but that wasn't the reason I swapped over. The Graham has micrometer control of VTA which is a blessed relief after the clumsy grub-screw arrangement of the DV505.

Regards,

Andy

[LPspinner]

OK, I’ll start you off Andy.

My Linn was purchased with an Audiophile Products Uni-pivot. This arm looks like a Hadcock copy and just happens to sound quite respectable as well. The Uni-pivot now lives on my bodged Orpheus and still makes nice noises carrying an AT95E. Yes I know the arm deserves a better pickup but if ever there was an argument about using a cheap cartridge on a good arm rather than an expensive cartridge on a cheap arm this combo proves it. It sounds very good indeed.

Second on the play list was a Rega RB250. This arm is Uber rigid, neutral and one of the few budget arms that can happily carry a mid-priced moving coil. Any body who says that Linn’s and Rega arms don’t mix have been listening a little too much gospel according to Linn. I lived with this combo for just over 12 years. Oh and I tried the Rega against an Akito as well, Sorry Akito owners; no contest. The good linn arms start with the Ittok, the story about the newer Akito being as good as an Ittok is just Linn marketing hype.

My curent combo is an Ittok LVII. Yes I eventually succumb to the Linn doctrine. Well not actually, I was offered the Arm at a very attractive price from an owner I was familiar with and since I knew the arm had been cared for and I knew its full ownership history I decided o take it.

If I had to go searching the market for the Ittok or paid full price I probably would have stuck with the RB250. Is the Ittok better? Yes and now that it is fitted I am pleased with the results. It’s just that the Rega Arm left me wanting for nothing and if I had never had heard an Ittok I probably would have never have wanted one. Although, if the truth must be known I actually had my eye on the almost new Ortofon MC30 Super II that was attached the business end of the Ittok, the Ortofon was the deal clincher. I have had this combo for just less than 5 years.

Curent status: Linn LP12 / Valhalla PSU / Cirkus / Ittok LVII and Ortofon MC30 Super II and it will probably stay that way for some time yet. Unless I can get a similar deal on a late model EKOS the Ittok stays.

LPSpinner

[pbda]

I've got an Ittok LVIII on one and a Basik on the other.

[nico]

....Ekos 2, and a before that Ittok....... and before that.....akito....sorry all Linn nico

[MadDogMcQ]

Basik Plus with Goldring 1042 Would love to fit an Ittok but got too many other hobbies to fund.

[chezi]

Been through a few arms over the 24 years I have owned my LP12.
Basik LVX+ , Akito , Ittok LV II and finally..................

AudioOrigami PU-7.

chezi

[Linn owner]

Ittok LV2
ARO
Ekos 2
Ekos SE

[MarsMoonLuna]

Originally an Akito I, from my old Axis, and now a Ittok LVIII/mk2.
It's the last of the Ittoks, very nice.
I've tried lots of cartridges on it; Grace F9E-Ruby (still works), Sumiko BP standard body, Benz Ruby2 and I am now awaiting a Lyra Helikon SL.

[mdhem04]

i hace an ekos 2 with upgrade arm lead with klyde mc and it sounds superb. without opening another debate ive previously noticed the klyde has had a bit of stick..the prob with the klyde like most mc cartridges it has a very low output if you have the power amps as i fortunatly have 3 times lk100s active with kairn its a very revealling listen and a superb cartridge but has to be really pushed to perform....cheers mike

[Seb]

Fidelity Research FR-12

(and never try another tonearm on my LP12 - too lazy...)

regards

Seb

[audioorigami]

Been through a few arms over the 24 years I have owned my LP12.
Basik LVX+ , Akito , Ittok LV II and finally..................

AudioOrigami PU-7.

chezi

looks stunning in black and gold m8

although sebs silver 12 inch pu7 is also very beatiful

bw
j7

[kiwisteve]

OK, I suppose I ought to hoist the flag for SME owners. I have an SME 309 currently on the LP12. I have heard that many people feel that the 309/SeriesIV/SeriesV range of arms are a little heavy for the Linn, but I find I have no problems with it. The only issue is that if you bolt the mounting plate to the arm board, one of the bolts fouls the chassis requiring a little machining to get it all to fit

Cheers,

Steve.

[advr]

After 2 Akito I now playing a rather new Akito II only Linn

[Purnendu]

Hello,
Has any one heard the new Linn Majik. It has a project 9cc arm on it. All the Project arms are apparently Linn mount. The project tonearms rarely get spoken of in isolation, but there are a lot of project turntables around, and at least some of them might be able (and want) to move up to a Linn.
Purnendu