Linn Tonearms

[Butch1970]

(as an addendum to the post on "upgrades to NON-Linn arms)

I'm considering upgrading my Basik LV-X tonearm to possibly an Akito or an Ittok. What should I expect to pay for one of these arms on the used market?

Thanks for the info :)

[softmachine]

Akito is not that much of an upgrade imo, for an Ittok expect to pay anywhere from 600-1000 I guess. I would stick around 600-700 if possible.

[Butch1970]

Thanks for the info!

I'm planning on using the Basik arm with a Dynavector 10x5 until I can make an upgrade. I wouldn't mind waiting around for an Ittok, but I may end up going with a non-Linn arm. I'm working with a 1983 LP-12. Any suggestions?

[softmachine]

Well, I have the Basik Plus right now, a good arm for the money imo (<200). I plan on upgrading it myself though, but probably to a Naim ARO or Origin Live Arm, Roksan is a consideration as well.

I would look into Origin Live or perhaps Grace, if you want to go vintage (too bad Dynavectors arms are so expensive).

[Rosewood]

In Europe a good s'hand Ittok LVII sells for about $ 800, an Akito 2B for about $ 400. I upgraded my Old Akito for a 2B version, a noticable improvement but not worth losing sleep over. Don't know about the Basik though.
The biggest improvement came from the now obsolete Audioquest PT9 (actually a Jelco arm). It handles my AT OC9ML very well. Now for sale at Elusivedisc for $ 375:
http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=AQ-PT9
Imo, a tonearm that will see you through many upgrades.

[jcmjrt]

The biggest improvement came from the now obsolete Audioquest PT9 (actually a Jelco arm). It handles my AT OC9ML very well. Now for sale at Elusivedisc for $ 375:
http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=AQ-PT9
Imo, a tonearm that will see you through many upgrades.

That's a nice tonearm for the price.

[Butch1970]

Thanks for the tip :)

Any thoughts on how the Audioquest PT-9 stacks up against the Michell Technoarm or OL Silver?

I considered the Audioquest but hadn't heard much about it from users.

[REXMONDAY]

I would avoid Akito if I were you, I had one on my LP12 for several years and it was partnered with the K9 cartridge, this is an ok budget setup. I upgraded to SME series V and Rohman cartridge, I love the sound I get but even with this set up I cant help but think I could do better!

[Butch1970]

I agree - If I were to go with another Linn arm, I would skip the Akito and go straight to an Ittok..........IF I could find one ;)

[REXMONDAY]

Ittok are quire common in the UK market. Just be prepared to pay more because of the strong £ v $ situation at the moment, maybe wait until the exchange rate is more favourable?