prefix E-type

Posted by: thomas schiller on 30 October 2000

My system consists of LP 12, ARO, ARKIV 1, Armageddon, Prefix K-type with SCAP, 52 with SCAP etc..
I want to buy a new cartrigde. Probably an ARKIV 2. I ask myself if the prefix should be changed from K- to E-type because the ARKIV 2 has another output specification than the ARKIV 1 (ARKIV 2: 0,4mV/ARKIV 1: 0,15mV)which is well-matched to the input specification of the E-type (E: 0,4mV/K: 0,1mV). What is your opinion ?

Posted on: 30 October 2000 by Eric Barry

I haven't compared, but generally, higher output in an MC means more coils=more tip mass=worse sound.

--Eric

Posted on: 30 October 2000 by Paul B

Thomas:

The Arkiv 2 is far better than the Arkiv 1 (I have owned both) and is Linn's best MC to date. Don't hesitate despite Eric's suggestion regarding higher outputs being inferior. It is not the case here.

However, I am not so sure about matching with the Prefix. I would guess that the output does not matter so much as other matching criteria do. I would think that the Arkiv 1 and Arkiv 2 are the same in this regard though.

Paul

Posted on: 31 October 2000 by Eric Barry

I thought that Linn was offering an option on the Arkiv2, one lower and one higher output. Upon rereading, I see that's not the case.

.4mv is fine for the low output boards though. My OC9 gives that and if anything I'd prefer more gain from the S boards (though this is in a 32-5).

I stand by what I said regarding tip mass, other things being equal. Jonathan Carr of Lyra (who make the Helikon, the Linn mc's, and made various Spectrals and Audioquests) has stated that directly. The higher output cart might sound better in some systems if the pre is not up to the low input voltage, but if it is, the lower output model is superior for a number of reasons. He says that upping the output voltage of Lyra's has been solely due to market concerns, and the fact that so few preamps are comfortable with low voltages.

--Eri