Hi all, first post on the forum. Joined a month ago and have been enjoying reading many posts; fascinating stuff!
I have owned a Linn LP12 a few years and did a few repairs and upgrades earlier this year - Cirkus bearing, Armageddon clone, Rega RB202 and a DIY aluminium subchassis. It sounds good but Im not entirely happy with it; so the quest for upgrades continues. The next step was to change the tonearm and make another (mk2) subchassis.
The new tonearm is an Audiomods series 6. It arrived in the post today and looks great!
Reason for this post is to check with guys with more experience whether I am better at this stage pausing and switching to another platform and move on from the LP12. Im trying to get to a point where I have a very good TT I can settle down with and enjoy. Can I get better results with a different unit, for similar cost and effort? I had not heard of Lenko before joining this forum but see that gets good reviews. Is it worth moving on to a GL75 or some other option? I don't want to spend thousands, so a very good new TT is not an option. Also the Mrs likes the retro look (its the only aspect of my hifi she likes!).
It would be good to get some suggestions so I can research further. Im ok spending time and effort upgrading an older unit diy. I have a woodworking workshop and a metal lathe too. Regards, Mark.
I have owned a Linn LP12 a few years and did a few repairs and upgrades earlier this year - Cirkus bearing, Armageddon clone, Rega RB202 and a DIY aluminium subchassis. It sounds good but Im not entirely happy with it; so the quest for upgrades continues. The next step was to change the tonearm and make another (mk2) subchassis.
The new tonearm is an Audiomods series 6. It arrived in the post today and looks great!
Reason for this post is to check with guys with more experience whether I am better at this stage pausing and switching to another platform and move on from the LP12. Im trying to get to a point where I have a very good TT I can settle down with and enjoy. Can I get better results with a different unit, for similar cost and effort? I had not heard of Lenko before joining this forum but see that gets good reviews. Is it worth moving on to a GL75 or some other option? I don't want to spend thousands, so a very good new TT is not an option. Also the Mrs likes the retro look (its the only aspect of my hifi she likes!).
It would be good to get some suggestions so I can research further. Im ok spending time and effort upgrading an older unit diy. I have a woodworking workshop and a metal lathe too. Regards, Mark.
Amps are Bryston BP26MM/MC and 4BSST2. Speakers Linn Majik 140 (but looking to upgrade these). Cartridge is presently Nagaoka MP-110.
Nagaoka MP 110 Is a good cartridge for the money, but limited. To get the most out of your Linn you would need to invest a bit more money in your cartridge.
It's not easy to beat well sorted LP12 contrary to what you may have read.
I also think that Nagaoka MP 110 may be a little bottleneck to LP12 performance. What is it that you are not happy with your sound now ? How about the rest of your audio chain ? Phono preamp?
I also think that Nagaoka MP 110 may be a little bottleneck to LP12 performance. What is it that you are not happy with your sound now ? How about the rest of your audio chain ? Phono preamp?
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Yes fully accept the cartridge needs to be better. The Nagaoka was a temporary move and I will spend a lot more, maybe next year. The phono is built into the Brystom preamp as a factory option; MM and MC compatible.
The sound gets a bit muddled in complex passages. I have some work to do to tune the Armageddon and may try some of the other motor drive options, or even dc. I hope the new tonearm will be a good improvement too.
The sound gets a bit muddled in complex passages. I have some work to do to tune the Armageddon and may try some of the other motor drive options, or even dc. I hope the new tonearm will be a good improvement too.
I'm all ears about clever spending regarding cartridges. One can take a risk and buy used carts and it's what I have done with success more or less but buying a new cartridge for $120 or $200 is kind of waste of money to me. Better to buy a used cart from a reputable maker. With passing years I kind of lost my belief in giant killers or super deals. One just has to spend some basic amount of money to achieve a basic amount of satisfaction .
Resolving complex passages is not an easy task for any vinyl rig. Better cartridge and that new audiomod tonearm should help.
Resolving complex passages is not an easy task for any vinyl rig. Better cartridge and that new audiomod tonearm should help.
Used carts are not a risk when you have a friendly Russian to fix them! Although I should have just had my Benz woody retipped when it wore out I've ended up with half a dozen brilliant (and unique) cartridges, none of which cost me more than a few hundred. I got a bit carried away and needed to sell a few in the end. Currently listening to an Ortofon Rondo with the Cantilever and stylus off an AT155LC (Be) and rather enjoying it.
Where are the pics???
I also feel that an Ittok/Ekos is a must for a Linn. But a different cart seems even more important at this moment. A Lenco will bring a dramatically different sound, which you might not like at all.
Oh , I understand ... I have a friendly Hungarian who took care of my Benz , Lyra and EMT 🙂 It costed more than a few hundred but I don't complain. It's an addictive activity and it's easy to get carried away.
You need to make the jump to LOMC, as your preamp is compatible. Everything I've read about the Audiomods arm suggests it's very good, so I wouldn't be looking at something else. I've been running an old AT33PTG for a while, it's definitely a very good budget MC.
A Hercules for the motor PS is another option.
jeff
I don't buy into an inherent superiority of MC, but there is a pride of ownership thing going on that is seductive.
Also a 2nd hand Lingo.
Second the people saying cartridge upgrade is necessary is OK.
Audio Origami or other kit for oil replacement is also good.
Second the people saying cartridge upgrade is necessary is OK.
Audio Origami or other kit for oil replacement is also good.
