New arm cable for LP12/Ittok ?

Posted by: Raphael on 30 June 2003

Hi there
I seem to have a bit of a problem with my LP12/Ittok. It is an early 80s unit (I think) and the cable has gone a bit dodgy in the right channel. I can hear buzzes through the right 'speaker when I wiggle it although I can get it to a point where it works fine.
I obviously need to do something about it and wonder if anyone has any experience of changing the arm cables in an Ittok - how difficult is this and what cable is a good replacement.
I may well also see if I can get the best local LP12 meister (Phil March) at Phonography to work his magic.
I just thought that I would ask to see if anyone has experience of this.
Thanks
Raphael

Posted on: 30 June 2003 by BigH47

There is an upgrade cable available from Linn. I don't know anything about it though, dealer should be able to advise you.

Howard

Posted on: 30 June 2003 by Dave J

That'll be the new Silver T cable. It's about £250 and is notably better than the standard item.

Posted on: 30 June 2003 by calum scott

Raphael,

the Linn website has a full description (including pictures) of how to change a cartridge which includes dismantling the arm and the cable. Doesn't look difficult but, and there's always a but....,you need to get the new cable clamped properly so that it doesn't affect the suspension in any way. If you haven't had the deck serviced for a while might be worth the extra expense for piece of mind.

Cheers,

Calum

Posted on: 30 June 2003 by ChrisBathory

Hi Raphael,

I have a similar problem in that my arm cable is now 'dodgy' - the solution I am hoping to adopt, which you might also consider, is the Naim Prefix, it fits inside the LP12 and allows you to use a snaic instead of a conventional arm cable. It steps up the signal as close to the cartridge as you can sensibly get, therefore substantially reducing the transmission problems of very low level signals down the 'long' arm cable..

I think its bit more pricey though, & you'll need a 'cap to power the Prefix as well...!

Hope this helps...
Chris

Posted on: 30 June 2003 by Jens

Raphael,

I second Chris' vote. I have a Prefix with an Ittok LVIII/v2 and it was a worthwhile addition. Tracking improved as did resolution and PRAT. Only downside is that it's much more prone to static, so when changing records I now use the mute button to avoid hearing discharges amplified through speakers should the mat stick to the record and create static.

Cheers, Jens

Posted on: 01 July 2003 by Top Cat

I'm in a similar boat with my newly acquired LP12. The Aro arm cable is a little short, and in any case needs reterminated to a 5-pin DIN plug.

I think it's probably money well spent to get a new cable made up using Aro cable than to investigate third party cables, but I'm leaving this as a job for Robert Ritchie.

Have any significant changes been made to the Aro tonearm cable since its launch, by the way? In other words, will a newer cable sound any better/different than what I have? I'm very happy with the cable but it needs to be a bit longer and DIN terminated - my makeshift efforts to reterminate work, but it's not pretty and probably my soldering (pretty primitive) isn't optimal...

John
John

TC '..'
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