I've just bought a lp12 (cirkus/basik PSU/Akito 1/K18).
I really like the sound of this TT (good prat, great bass, very musical and involving).
The only problem is the high level of surface noise (much more than my previous tt: a cheap project debut!!).

So I have decided to buy (or build a DIY) a vacuum RCM and some products (like Disk Doctor) to clean my records, but i'm also thinking about possible TT upgrades.
Options I'm thinking of are:
- a Lingo PSU (also good to play 45!)
- a new cartridge (i'm thinking about the Adikt)
- an Ittok tonearm

Anyone can tell what could be the best option? What is considered the single most influential element (cartridge,PSU,arm?).

Could this also be a set-up problem (suspension, cartridge alignment)?

The rest of my system is NAD pp-2 pre , LINN Classik & Rogers ls2 speakers.


Thanks,

Stefano.

Stefano

It's difficult to choose between the Akito 1 and the K18. I would definitely look at one of those to be changed. I hope you've checked the stylus under a microscope to make sure it's OK.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Stefano,

I have an LP12 (since 1984) and have recently had it completely serviced by my Linn elite dealer who also upgraded it with Cirkus, Top plate, T-cable, Adikt, and Lingo II PSU.

I also have an Ittok LVIII with Adikt fitted.

If you go for an Ittok then get the later one because my dealer said the old ones have the head shell screwed onto the arm tube, which is bad. The later one that I have has it bonded like the Ekos (I think?), which makes a more rigid and stable mounting for the cartridge. I would be wary of buying a second hand arm though, which I assume is the only possibility for an Ittok.

After a period of running together with adjustments later, I am very satisfied with the results. The Cirkus and Lingo make a big difference although some people will tell you to buy the Naim PSU because of the mains filter in the Lingo.

I would suggest taking it to a recognised Linn LP12 dealer and get them to look it over.

regards
Mark

[This message was edited by mtuttleb on Thu 02 September 2004 at 15:27.]

Stefano,

It's probably a set-up problem, although it's possible that the cartridge is old, as Frank suggests.

If the suspension is off-kilter, for instance, than it can manifest as surface noise, among other things.

I've heard several well-set-up LP12s, and they are very quiet surface-noise wise; surprisingly so, in fact.

The home-made VPI style record cleaner is worth doing (I've made one), but if your Project was quieter the real problem lies with the cartridge or the LP12 set-up.

Eric