Taking a Linn Sondek LP12 out of storage

[ingenieus]

Hi all

I have a Sondek that I bought in 1983. It is fitted with an Ittok LVII arm and Asak cartridge (retipped by van den Hul in the early nineties). The cartridge is probably well past its best. Any suggestions for a replacement? As budget-friendly as possible.

It was last serviced by a dealer in the late nineties. For the last decade it's been sitting inside it's box, with a piece of packing material underneath the sub-platter and the platter stored separately. It's now time to spin some platters again. What should I do before putting it back into service? I'm especially worried about the bearing oil, which I want to replace. But with what? Or should I just take it to a dealer, and take the hit to my wallet?

 

[Swarky]

Get in touch with Johnnie at Audioorigami in Glasgow and ask him for an oil change kit. Includes everything you need (syringe, swabs etc. )plus protractor etc. to check set-up. Sounds like it was well stored and you should have no trouble.

 

[Simon1972]

Shouldn't need more than a belt and oil change.

 

[vinylkid58]

Any suggestions for a replacement? As budget-friendly as possible.

My budget-friendly LOMC pick would be the AT33PTG.

jeff

 

[sreten]

Hi,

FWIW I doubt there is anything wrong with the cartridge, replacement is ouch expensive,

rgds, sreten.

 

[Salas]

Can check with a test record before buying a new cart.

 

[SY]

A-T 150MLX. Punches way above its weight class. Matches well with the LVII (that's what I use it in).

 

[ingenieus]

Thanks guys - I'll certainly change the oil and belt. Once we're back in business, I will subject the cartridge to a listening test. It was still OK last time it was in use, but that was long ago.

 

[Salas]

I would recommend making a small investment on the HFNRR test disc, it will help you align and check the system much more confidently.

 

[ingenieus]

I still have a Shure test disc somewhere.