Linn Basik plus or Thorens 150 stock?

[phimor]

Hi,
I wonder if some wiser heads could advise on the better option (I know, a choice between evils).

The Thorens arm that comes standard with the 150 seems to have very poor reviews.

I can get a Basik plus cheap.

At the moment the 150 is sporting a (new) base model ortofon.

I found the Thorens at a garage sale, and its fun rediscovering my vinyl collection.

Also are either of these arms a better candidate for tweaking?

Cheers and thanks

Philippe

 

[planet10]

I would not hesitate with that swap (you can probably get something on eBay for the old arm). I've got a Basik as an upgrade to the Jeldo on my Rega II and had one on a Linn for a bit.

dave

 

[ingvar ahlberg]

The Basic is a good alternative to the original arm, better cartridge mounting for instance. The original arm is far better than it looks assuming that the bearings are well adjusted and the headshell modified for standard M2,5 bolts. If it´s a TD150 mk1 with a wood armboard all woodscrews should be replaced with M3 bolts and nuts through armboard and subchassis. The armpillar should be fastened with nuts and bolts and the rubber grommets removed. If a mk 2 with plastic armboard You have to make a new board and then of course go for the Basic arm