Ittok on an Axis
Posted by: garth on 21 March 2004
I recently noticed, at my local dealers, an axis/Ittok LVII/ Asaka combination for $900CDN - over here - Vancouver Island - LP12/Ittok/Valhallas go for around $1500 to $1800. Would an Ittok on an axis be a substantial upgrade from an axis/akito or is the deck not up to showing the better arm's qualities? I currently have a planar 3 / rb300 with Denon DL110.
thanks for any insights,
Garth
thanks for any insights,
Garth
Posted on: 21 March 2004 by Peter C
The Ittok is ideal for an LP12.
On an Axis, my advice is to give it a listen. It should sound better than the Akito, but by what margin I can only guess.
On an LP12 the difference is obvious. On the Axis the difference is likely to appear smaller because the Axis is not as good as an LP12.
Where's the Dealer, Victoria?
On an Axis, my advice is to give it a listen. It should sound better than the Akito, but by what margin I can only guess.
On an LP12 the difference is obvious. On the Axis the difference is likely to appear smaller because the Axis is not as good as an LP12.
Where's the Dealer, Victoria?
Posted on: 21 March 2004 by garth
Hi Peter.
Yes, the dealer is in Victoria. If you have spent some time here then you know that the options for quality used gear are pretty few and far between, particularly in the area between a planar 3 and LP12. The only other axis I have seen locall apeared about a year+ ago and that had a cracked lid, no cartridge, and an Akito 1 and sold for $600CDN. This one appears to be in very good shape so may be a relatively good deal.
Yes, the dealer is in Victoria. If you have spent some time here then you know that the options for quality used gear are pretty few and far between, particularly in the area between a planar 3 and LP12. The only other axis I have seen locall apeared about a year+ ago and that had a cracked lid, no cartridge, and an Akito 1 and sold for $600CDN. This one appears to be in very good shape so may be a relatively good deal.
Posted on: 21 March 2004 by Peter C
Naim equipment does seem thin on the ground on the West coast of Canada compared to the UK.
Victoria and Vancouver, thats your lot probably.
The Axis is a better sounding turntable than the Rega Planar 3, even with the original Basic arm.
I do recall somebody doing the Ittok upgrade on an Axis in the Uk years ago and he was pleased with it.
I owned a Rega planar 3 , before upgrading to a Linn Axis and then in turn to an LP12
Victoria and Vancouver, thats your lot probably.
The Axis is a better sounding turntable than the Rega Planar 3, even with the original Basic arm.
I do recall somebody doing the Ittok upgrade on an Axis in the Uk years ago and he was pleased with it.
I owned a Rega planar 3 , before upgrading to a Linn Axis and then in turn to an LP12
Posted on: 21 March 2004 by Peter C
Garth
I recall a hifi shop selling quality kit, on a junction just up the hill from Christies Pub on Fort Street.
They had Rega turntables in there and they also sold Linn equipment.
I recall a hifi shop selling quality kit, on a junction just up the hill from Christies Pub on Fort Street.
They had Rega turntables in there and they also sold Linn equipment.
Posted on: 21 March 2004 by garth
Peter
That's the one. The name is Sound Hounds. They are good folks and have even talked me out of purchasing things when they thought it was ill advised, as well as advising me on private sales - they advised me to go for it when I saw a 32.5/90 for $800CDN as well as when I snapped up my planar 3/rb300. I will probably just borrow the deck when I get a chance.
As far as used naim gear goes, "thin on the ground is an understatement. In the last eight years I have only seen one other example of used naim other than the kit I own. A couple of LP12's a year show up at Sound Hounds but they usually go for $1500+ - and quickly - if they are in reasonable condition. I have only seen one other axis used, one other Planar 3, and thats about it for flat earth gear used. Must say I am pretty envious of you folks across the pond in that regard.
That's the one. The name is Sound Hounds. They are good folks and have even talked me out of purchasing things when they thought it was ill advised, as well as advising me on private sales - they advised me to go for it when I saw a 32.5/90 for $800CDN as well as when I snapped up my planar 3/rb300. I will probably just borrow the deck when I get a chance.
As far as used naim gear goes, "thin on the ground is an understatement. In the last eight years I have only seen one other example of used naim other than the kit I own. A couple of LP12's a year show up at Sound Hounds but they usually go for $1500+ - and quickly - if they are in reasonable condition. I have only seen one other axis used, one other Planar 3, and thats about it for flat earth gear used. Must say I am pretty envious of you folks across the pond in that regard.
Posted on: 22 March 2004 by Peter C
I went into Sound hounds when I was in Victoria in 2000 and like you was impressed, its the best hifi store I found on the Island.
My cousin Stephen was living in Fort Street at the time.
Last year I didn't get to Victoria as my cousin was in Vancouver.
He did move back to Victoria late last year, so next time I'm over I'll give you a shout; maybe go for a beer in Christies.
My cousin Stephen was living in Fort Street at the time.
Last year I didn't get to Victoria as my cousin was in Vancouver.
He did move back to Victoria late last year, so next time I'm over I'll give you a shout; maybe go for a beer in Christies.