He recommended a change to Rega Elys or even better the Dynavector 10x4.My instincts on a sound for pound basis would have been to go for a new stylus for the K9.However this dealer no longer stocks Linn and the K9 no longer appears on Linn's website.Has the K9 been put to sleep?

If so,are there any other cartridges worth considering? It is hard with cartridges now as they are hardly ever reviewed in the magazines and dealers no longer seem to like comparative
cartridge dems.Remainder of system is 72/140 and
Linn Saras.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Linn dropped the K9 for a bit but my dealer assures me it's now available again. Call Linn and ask. I think the number's on their site.

All the best,

David

(My LP12 is pre-cirkus, Valhalla, Ittok. Should sound even better with an Ekos.)

Find a real cartridge. It is possible to have all the flat-earth attributes without the dogged ragged edges that the K9 has - and this needen't cost you the earth.

Rico - all your base are belong to us.

Although it's nice in a warm, cuddly, undynamic way, it's doesn't really compete with more modern cartridges. The 10x4 is the latest incarnation of a long line of 10x cartridges from Dynavector and I think it represents excellent value for money, though I've never heard it in a deck of your type, which is basically an eighties spec deck.

In some ways it's a shame that you're not considering upgrading to a better spec moving coil cartridge like a Klyde, Kontrapunkt A, or, 17D2. You'd begin to get what the LP12 can really do for you at last.

Regards,
Frank.

(on an LP12/Lingo/Cirkus/Aro)

I like my sound, but wonder what I should be aiming for next (now that I have the best tonearm in the world )

John

Ditch the K9, end of story. It's a great entry level MM, but that's it.

I went from a K9 to a 17D2 on my LP12/ekos/lingo last year, absolutly awesome improvement. The 17d2 is a real bargain at about 450 pounds.

I was so amazed by the difference it made that I'm now thinking about getting an even better cart when it wears out. I'd always said I was never going to get into expensive MC's because of the cost of replacing every 18 months or so, but now, I'm thinking maybe at towards the end of this year going to an Arkiv B or a Te Kaitora and stuff the replacement costs.

Simon

In my experience the higher priced cartridges seem to last longer than the others. When I had an original Asak it would need replacing in about 12-15 months (I went through 3 plus an Asaka). My Troika lasted almost twice as long and my first Arkiv a little longer again. My Arkiv B is now into its second year w/o noticeable deterioration. I think you could probably get 1000+ hours today out of a top-level MC such as the Arkiv before replacing.

I get my LP12 checked over once a year and stylus wear is checked as well. Useage of my LP12 was about the same until the Arkiv B (I use it less now) as I have an NAT02 to keep me amused as well.

Paul

quote:

---

i think this goes back to the days of lp12/ittok/at95

---

I bought my Rega P3 with a $10 Grado cartridge

I just took my LP12 out of mothballs and set it up two days ago - it has a K18II. Does sound ragged, but could be the arm bearings and such. I'm also fiddling a bit with the tracking force and anti-skating.

Anyway, my girlfriend came over and I had a Count Basie record playing. She didn't see the LP12 at first - just enjoyed the tunes. I showed her the LP12 and she said, "So THAT'S why it sounded so good!"

She used to be a Jazz DJ

I went through my records last night and will only be donating about 20 of the 500 or so in my collection. So the LP12 stays for now

- GregB
More Music! More Music!

However, the ARO allows you to explore other makes of cartridge such as Dynavectors, Ortofons and such like.

We are getting fabulous results from the relatively new Ortofon Kontrapunkt B (£750-ish).

We always get good value for money out of Dynavector. For a different approach and a very sweet treble, look at the 17D2 (£450). Alternatively, consider waiting for the new XX2 (£1000) which was meant to be out this month. Or there's the Te Kaitora, which at £1700 combines the delicacy of the 17D2 with much of the power of the XX-1L.

One other alternative is the Lyra Helikon (£700-ish). I don't get on with this cartridge as I find it boring to listen to. However, it has many good aspects to its presentation.

Regards,
Frank.

Hi John,

I'd say the Klyde also. I'll let you know how the two compare. I've been using Klyde's for about seven years and they have never let me down. They're a great match for the Ekos which is what I use but I'm sure they would also be fine on a Aro. I have a Asaka I plan to have rebuilt when my Klyde gets a bit more wear on it and plan to rotate the rebuilt Asaka in when the time comes.

A rebuilt Asaka will probably sound better than a worn Klyde, if not I'll add another level of Mana to make up for the difference. Remember Source First! Support, TT, Arm, Cartridge, Pre, etc...

quote:

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if not I'll add another level of Mana to make up for the difference.

---

with multiple levels of Mana, take care to leave at least 33 cm between the LP12 lid and the ceiling, to be able to put your LPs on!!

with the 20th level of mana, a ladder is offered!!

BTW, the klyde is a no risk upgrade from an asaka.
Other solution: find a karma, and have it rebuilt at Linn

JChristophe

many thanks.

enjoy...

ken

If cash is tight, look at the Denon DL110 which at £80 will make you the moment you hear it.

Rob.

Last time I went to my Linn dealer, he told me the Troika was a great cartridge. Some still prefer it to the Arkiv. I do not know myself as I have never auditioned any of them.

Anyway, would anyone recommend me a rebuilt Troika? How much would it cost me? Would it make sense when compared to a new Klyde or an equivalent Dynavector?

Thanks,

Ugo
http://www.delphi.com/LinnProducts

I am a bit wary about Dynavector cartridges after my next door neighbour's son told me that his stylus literally dropped off the cantilever!

Kevin

The Vital tip used by Linn is poor in this respect.
I owned a Troika for a while and disliked it for the same reason. It also used a Vital tip.

Without going into too much detail, the scanning area of your stylus (it's minor radius)needs to be below 5um to get decent HF tracking, and ideally around 3-4um. Any smaller and you start cutting your own vinyl!
The Linn tip profile is aroundd 8um - too large and unforgiveable on something as costly as the Troika, though perfectly acceptable on a Basik or other sub £40 MM.

Jeremy, if you visit my site at www.flatresponse.com and look at the section Cartridges in the 'Basics' section you will see a much more detailed explanation.
Otherwise feel free to email via the site.
The site will close & move at the end of March due to a revamp so be quick!

Rob.

[This message was edited by Rob Holt on SUNDAY 18 March 2001 at 13:58.]

How to get in contact with them? Thanks.

Ugo
http://www.delphi.com/LinnProducts