Linns new Akiva moving coil cartridge - a review

Posted by: Tarquin Maynard - Portly on 19 December 2002

Muchachos

Just had the pleasure of meeting Malcolm Davey over at Martin Kleiser in Beaconsfield. Malcolm was there picking up freshly Lingo 2'd LP12 ( said you would not get away without it, Malcolm.)

While there, Colin Macey gave us both a dem of the new top MC cartridge from Linn, the Akiva. The kit was almost entirely Linn; LP12/Ekos/Linto/Lingo 2, Klimax preamp, a pair of Mono Klimax 500 amps, through a pair of B&W Nautilus 805 Signatures.

The first few minutes he spent with a dissasembled Boron, showing showing what had been changed., ( quite a bit, actually; more windings, better magnets etc etc. )

Started with an Arkiv Boron, the former flagship cartridge from Linn. Both Malcolm and I have the original Arkiv, so it was of interest to us both to hear the Boron. Colin started the dem with the Boron playing "Guitar Music" by Leo Kotke; not a pice I know, but fine musicianship. Played a piece a couple of times; sounded good to me with plenty of detail, control and musicality. Then he pulled his demon high pressure sales trick of playing the same piece of music on the Akiva. A flicker of a smile from Malcolm and I. There is instantly a sense that the new cartridge has more control over what it is reproducing, and with no effort. Back to the Boron and it seemed to shout loud rather than deliver, seemed somehow harsher and less comfortable.

Next on was Prefab Sprout, work I do know. Vocals on the Boron where well delivered, instruments noticeable individually while still playing the tune. A different delivery from my Naim amps but still very enjoyable. On to the Akiva. More detail overall, greater control, less effort and more music. Starting to feel sorry for the Boron by now, looking down on its abilities when compared to those of the new. Flowing on naturally from Prefab Sprout came Leftfields' "Leftism", deascribed as J-M Jarre meets house music. I would not have thought this would be my cup of tea, but was surprised. The track played combined lowdown bass together with some fast attacking synth.
The Akiva was able to control the Wild Man of Borneo sounds coming from the system with ease, and in fact revealed that the bass riff was actually playing a tune. It was simply not there with the Boron. Next up Count Baseys' "88 Basey Street", a big jazz band belter that was again new to me ( and I will be seeking out. ) A/B demo displayed poise, effortless control and plain musical enjoyment. Malcolm had commented that the he would not buy a Boron now that he had heard the Akiva; after one side it would have become tireing when compared to the Akiva.

The biggest revalation came with Joni Mitchells' " Mingus ". The track played has a very wide dynamic range, with sudden and large changes in volume. When it came to the part where the ensemble sing "God must be a boogie man", you could hear individual voices and the fact that there was female vocal in the mix too. Just not heard with the Boron, yet it sounds fine until you hear the Akiva.

Final vinyl was classical; Itzhak Perlman playing Sarates' "Carmen Fantasy." No point in comparing the two cartridges; just a bit of sheer enjoyment. I have never heard violin sounding so unforced. Even the very top high notes where delivered with no effort whatsoever.

So what is the damage? £1800. But Linn have come up with a great idea - PX on your old Linn cartridge. Given that most of us listening to the Akiva will have a Linn cartridge, this is wonderful.
Trade in prices are £600 for Boron, £500 Arkiv, £200 Troika and values also available for Karma/Klyde/Osaka of 125/200/100. This means that I will get one for £1300. They will also offer £800 for an Akiva trade in, which signals to me that this is not a one off gimmick and that they want to ease some of the monetary pain of cartridge replacement.

This cartridge really is that much better than that which it replaces. Once it has been heard I reckon that it will start to fly out of dealers' doors.

By way of a finale, Colin played us his other toyset, the DVD / AV one. A quick blast of Apocalypse Now Redux, and The Right Stuff. The kit was the latest SIM 2 projector, the HD300 plus, fed by a TAG McLaren DVD. The preamp was swapped to Linns 5103 processor for surround sound effects.

After about three minutes Malcolm and I legged it from the room, covering our ears, closing our eyes and humming so that we would not fall under its spell. Fantastic colours, pin sharp definition and a very bright picture.

I think that what really made Malcolms afternoon was the fact that Seagull could not make the dem!

Guess I will be getting my Akiva in January. Get to listen to it while you can.

Mike

[This message was edited by mike lacey on THURSDAY 19 December 2002 at 18:30.]
Posted on: 19 December 2002 by Markus
Hey, thanks for a superb piece of writing though I'm now discontent with my lowly Goldring 1042!

I guess I should say thanks!!!!!!! This would never fly with the wife!!!!!!!


Markus

............
Posted on: 20 December 2002 by Dev B
Thanks for your good review, I'm pretty interested in the Arkiva as I currently use an Arkiv B in my Aro and find it to be excellent. Does it still have the 3 point mounting scheme of the Arkiv, and is it's construction similar?

Dev
Posted on: 20 December 2002 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
quote:
Originally posted by Dev B:
Thanks for your good review, I'm pretty interested in the Arkiva as I currently use an Arkiv B in my Aro and find it to be excellent. Does it still have the 3 point mounting scheme of the Arkiv, and is it's construction similar?

Dev


Dev

it does look very similar on the outside, in particular it has the three point mounting. There are some changes internally as I understand it; if you want more info let me know and I will find out.
Of particular interest is the fact that the Nagger will not be able to see that I have a new cartridge - she should be able to hear the change but she will never admit it.
Posted on: 20 December 2002 by Malcolm Davey
Linn Aktiva

In the process of collecting my Linn following a service (and Lingo 2) I had the opportunity to meet up with Mike and audition the new Aktiva alongside an Aktiv Boron at Martin Kleisner (Beaconsfield).

The setup was 2 new Sondeks, same Lingo 2, 2 new Ekos, Linto, Klimax pre and twin Klimax mono all on Isoblue stands. The speakers were the new B&W 805A Signature (I hope I’ve got that lot right.

I had heard the Boron there before when a demo convinced me of the superiority of the Lingo 2. At that time I was very impressed, it possessed speed, clarity, immense detail and tremendous dynamics. I felt it was an improvement on the Arkiv that I use. All this was with a selection of albums new to me. So how would the new one stackup??

Over the course of 6 or 7 different pieces of music picked by Colin Macey (manager and Linn ‘Guru’), the result was very clear!!

By comparison with the Boron the Aktiva played music – simple as that. OK you expect slightly more, here I should explain my choice of equipment is a means to an end. What I use provides me with the presentation of music that allows me to relax, engage with the performance, bring enjoyment, provide background or whatever depending upon the mood I am in. Others will be able to explain more eloquently ‘how/to what, I was listening, for me it is that simple. (Seagull came round last night and I may expand on this following his piece about how we ended up listening to stands!!).

So…… the Boron by comparison now sounded like early CD, very forward and in your face, certainly thrilling BUT for me not relaxing. If I had one I would be playing odd tracks, not sitting for extended periods, no into the small hours sessions because I think I would find it fatiguing. By comparison the Aktiva was the less is more approach, relaxing, involving and simply drew you in. Less surface noise BUT not at the expense of the music. There was far more detail, tunes easier to follow this was over a selection of material:
Joni Mitchell – Mingus
Isaac Perlman
Aztec Camera
Another Joni Mitchell
Leftfield Leftism

And I forget the rest, the ‘what’ did not interest me it was just enjoyable listening.

I realise all the limitations of the session, perhaps cartridges not yet fully ‘run in’ (but the Boron was more so), equipment with which I am not overly familiar etc. However, the bottom line was I now know what I will buy when the time comes. The Aktiva presented music the way I wanted it, hence the ‘what’ was less important, it was simply so enjoyable.

Music should engage and listening to the Aktiva told me there was more to get from that old vinyl medium. Yes it is hugely expensive, maybe I will never be in the position to purchase but I have glimpsed!.

So I will now do what I usually do, wait a day or so then play my own Sondek and sit back and enjoy.

To Colin and Mike many thanks for the invite, if only those numbers would come up!!!
Posted on: 20 December 2002 by Paul B
What's this then? Has the Ekos been revised? If so what has been done? Comparisons with old Ekos?

Paul
Posted on: 20 December 2002 by Malcolm Davey
Sorry I simply meant they were 'new' ie not been lonp 'run in'
Posted on: 20 December 2002 by Malcolm Davey
Yes the Linns were on Isoblue, I don't know regarding the Trampolin base.
Posted on: 27 December 2002 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
Muchachos

First, thanks for the comments.

An observation: my posting on an item of maybe some interest to the hi fi gang, made 19 december at 18:21 has has 8 replies and 570 viewings.

My question - Kylie or Danii in your Christmas stocking, posted 24 dec @ 09:17 has had 36 replies, 794 viewings.

Glad to see the important things in life still matter!

Mike

wink
Posted on: 28 December 2002 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
Looking back on my comment it does look like I was grumbling - not the case - even though I list my occupation as curmudgeon!

I was genuinely pleased to see that the real things in life still matter to fellow Forum members.

Best wishes for 2003.

Mike

PS - it has to be Dannii. Kylie would be too easy to break..... wink
Posted on: 15 January 2003 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
Muchachos

I now have one.

Initial impressions in my home kit, as opposed to the ace kit at Martin Kleiser, are pretty darn favourable to say the least. Once I have had a couple more days and cranked it up a bit louder, I will come back and report.

Mike
Posted on: 23 January 2003 by paul99
Mike,

I have just taken delivery of an LP12, Ekos, Akiva, Lingo and Linto from Martin Kleiser. Actually owing to varoius problems the delivery was made over the period from the beginning of November last year.

The Akiva set-up which you heard at Martin Kleiser was, mostprobably, mine. Colin told me that he had used it for a demonstration and that a review had been written on this site.

I am glad that you liked my system.

However, and this could be interesting, my opinion is rather different to yours. I, too, have written a review of the Akiva, in all probability the very same cartridge.

I am about to post my review, comments are appreciated.

Regards,

Paul.
Posted on: 23 January 2003 by Dave J
Paul

Presumably it sounded great when you initially heard it at Martin Kleiser or else you wouldn't have bought it. Did you try it in the context of your own sistem?

Dave
Posted on: 23 January 2003 by paul99
Dave,

I based my decision upon listening to the Akiv.
I took my Rega to MK and compared it with the LP12/Akiv.

The demo was, in my opinion, somewhat inconclusive. My purchase was based mainly upon Linn's reputation.

The Linn speakers used for the demo were in my opinion rather coloured, boom-tish, you might say.

Naturally the mid-range bloom from the LP12 made a more impressive sound than my old Rega. The mid-range bloom compensated (to some extent) for the colouration of the speakers.

I understand that now, but at the time of the demo, I thought that I was hearing something genuinely better.

Now that I can hear the LP12 etc on my neutral ESL63s, I can hear the colouration in all its horror.

A demonstration on my own system, in retrospect, would have been useful. That is a lesson to be learnt, although, apart from a replacement turntable, I do not expect to be buying any more high-end HiFi kit ever. (Witness the end of a hobby that has occupied me for 30 years.)

Regards,

Paul.
Posted on: 25 January 2003 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
Muchachos

I have now had the beast for a little over a week. To summarise in one line:

" I have bought 30 albums in the last 10 days."

However, I would like to expand a little; my system is an LP12/Ekos/Cirkus/Lingo 1; 82/Hicap/135s; Linn Kaber speakers.

The initial strengths I had heard at Martin Kleiser have been reinforced. I have also noted other aspects that had been indicated elsewhere, such as the markedly lower noise floor of the Akiva - vinyl roar, clicks and pops and the like have been greatly reduced. The increased amount of information that is being extracted fron the groove is, to me, extraordinary. For example; one of my favourite albums is Prefab Sprouts "Steve McQueen." The track "Horsin' around" on side two has always impressed me - and last week, for the first time, I heard the song being counted in. I had not even heard a hint of that before. I have aslo heard imaging that I ws completely unaware of - my apologies to those who do not know this album, but the track "Appetite" has Wendy Smith repeating three word phrases afetr Paddy McAloon sings them - eg. " If you grow ", " Just like them " etc. Three syllables are now heard from left/centre/right, as against my old Arkivs' enunciation from the middle of the speakers.

There is so much more being given to you. When I picked the deck up from MK, the manager Colin Macey very generously spent a fair bit of his time ( extending well past shop closing time ) making sure that I weas happy, that I liked what I heard. This was done in the obvious manner - playing music. As well as the impressions gained at the original dem, it was noticeable that, instead of being able to tell that a note had started, and had now finished, I could hear the note start here and end now To me that gets you closer to the original intent of the musician, and adds to the overall enjoyment.

It also communicates emotion in a manner that has actually bought a tear to my eye - and not just when I came to pay. Ry Cooders' album "Paris, Texas" has a track "Cancion Mixteca" I am not sure what this is about - it is sung (Beautifully ) in Spanish - but the sheer passion of the vocal delivery was communicated well enough to have the indicated effect - and I was sober.

I have tried Joy Division through the cartridge in a deliberate attempt to upset it; no worries. Driving dance riffs fron the B-52s- "Good Stuff" - foot tap tastic. Spoken word - Vivian Stanshalls' "Sir Henry at Rawlinson End" just reminded me of what a wonderful chocolate velvet voice he had. Plus, I could tell when a new take had been started, as he sounded nearer, or further away; the room acoustics changed and the change was conveyed. I can hear guitar strings above the fret; I can tell if a drum kit is miked individually or with a single stereo pair. Backing vocalists are now audible. The little tweaky add ons can be heard. Etc etc etc

Malcolm Davey has commented that the Boron would have become tiring after a few sides once he heard this cartridge, yet he still delights in his. An analogy would be to compare Beaujolais Nouveau with a fine Nuits St George; both are red wines, Nouveau is fine until you try the good stuff, and then it pales away.

I could go on, and no doubt will post again. The Akiva has made my lower right leg ache - took me a while to figure out why - it is due to the massive increase in foot tapping while listening.

Gripes?

Apart from the obvious one - how much?!?!? the packaging of the cartridge really does look cheap - so what; you buy it to listen to, not to look at the box. But still....

I love it. Maybe my old Arkiv was totally gone, but I reckon it is as big an improvement as going to 135s from my 140, or 62 to 180. It lets my system shine.

Mike

[This message was edited by mike lacey on SUNDAY 26 January 2003 at 00:19.]
Posted on: 27 January 2003 by Dave J
Mike,

Having heard the new Akiva at the Linn store in Glasgow on Saturday, I have to say that, despite a less then optimal set up and the rather disappoining performance of the rest of the Linn kit, it sounded fabulous and I want one.

Dave
Posted on: 30 January 2003 by Eric Barry
I hope this isn't a breach of etiquette, but I thought I'd repost over here what Jonathan Carr of Lyra said abot the Akiva on Audio Asylum:

Linn has been quite happy with the Arkiv 1 and 2. No reason to change the companies involved. OTOH, as the "review" suggested, the Akiva is a completely different design from the Arkivs.

The Akiva has been designed with the special requirements of the Ekos tonearm in mind, to an even greater extent than the Arkivs. Compared to the Arkivs, the Akiva has less mass, higher compliance, and I think that the tracking force recommendations are lower, too. The stylus-to-cantilever distance has been shortened to 7mm, which should be a better match with the Ekos tonearm geometry.

But because the cantilever is mounted directly to the cartridge body instead of any intermediate structure (like a polepiece), the Akiva definitely pumps more wide-band mechanical energy back into the tonearm than the Arkivs did. The Ekos structure and bearings are of course up to the task, but this may not be true of all tonearms. In this specific sense the Akiva has similar tonearm requirements to the Lyra designs.

It may be advisable to keep these points in mind if you intend to try the Akiva in an arm other than the Ekos.

regards, jonathan carr