Opinions on a Linn Basik TT?

[stylecore]

I recently took the plunge into higher-end TT land when I picked up a near mint Linn Basik TT for $300. I've got a Grado green cart on it right now and have it hooked up through vintage gear (Kenwood Kr 4070 receiver) and I love the sound. I noticed there were a few posters who have this table...have you been pleased with the quality? I did a bit of research before buying but basically just went for it when I saw that it was for sale locally. Any cartridge recommendations? I really want to stick to a low cost, fairly high quality system, most likely w/ vintage gear. Being in college makes it tough to spring for new stuff :( . These are great forums, I hope to get some pics to put up in the "What TT's do you have?" thread soon!

Thanks,
Kyle

[ProAc_Fan]

Kyle IMHO that TT ( I've owned one) deserves a better cart than a Grado Green. Have you thought about the Linn K9 that originally came with that TT? I'm not the cart expert around here( that'd prolly be Grumpy) but there are a LOT of carts that'd blow away that Grado and reveal just what a nice table that Linn is. I'm thinking a Goldring 1042,Shure V15MXvR,Grado Gold, etc..



Mike

[stylecore]

Actually the table came with the Grado cart, and I'm just starting to look around to see what people recommend for this table/arm (BTW, it has the Akito 1 arm). Is that Linn K9 cart still available? How does it sound? I wouldn't mind having a Linn cart on it, I sorta like the idea of keeping everything to one brand, at least within the turntable itself. Then again, I really am after the best sound-to-price ratio:) . How did you like the table? Did you upgrade or just decide to get rid of it? Like I said I like it so far, had it for about a week and I'm still testin it out. Probably I will be getting a new cart, then a phono stage, then a receiver/amp upgrade....but that's all in the future... ;)

Thanks for the reply!
Kyle

[bully]

Welcome to AK, Kyle!
Just a point to ponder: when the Kenwood was made, LPs were still the 'king.' Its' phono section is probably better than what you would find affordable today.

[ProAc_Fan]

Kyle I sold it for the $$ and the fact that with 3 little ones running around I never got to use it as much as I'd hoped. I'm also a lazy SOB and the convenience of CD's is just too tempting. I sold the Linn and my father in law gave me a nice Yamaha PF-800 TT to replace it with. Now I'm on the hunt for a nice cart as well. I don't think Linn makes the K9 anymore but I often see used ones on Ebay. There especially prevelant in the U.K. and not overly expensive.

Mike

[stylecore]

bully-

Yeah, you're right. It has a pretty decent phono section from what I can tell, although at some point I'll upgrade I'm sure. In any case these vintage receivers are way more fun than mass marketed new receivers!

Mike-

Understandable about the Linn table, sometimes you just gotta let stuff go I guess :( . I'll look around for that K9 a bit, only problem is that if I ever need a new stylus I'm kinda outta luck (although I did find this page: http://electronics.audiopervert.com/linn_k9_stylus_replacement.htm ). Ever noticed how little info out there on the Linn Basik in terms of reviews, etc.? Seems kinda odd...oh well.

Thanks!
Kyle

[ProAc_Fan]

Kyle AFAIK the stylus can be replaced by your local Linn dealer. I actually had a K5 stylus on my K9 cart so it had to have been a replacement.


Mike