Which TT in Nait-2/Kan-II system?

My choice would be LP12 but then I've been using one for a long time so I'm a little biased.

If I were you though, I would not order until I had heard it! Good though the LP12 is, it's not everyone's cup of tea.

Good luck.

Steve B

It's just that I can't demo the LP12 first.
It's for sale at a Dutch store that is specialized in all kinds of s/h HiFi.

I don't have a car,and the distance it too far,also.

I do have the oppertunity to listen to the Linn Axis/Akito though. Would/could it outperform my CD-3.5 ?

According to another analog-addict-dealer a Transrotor "Leonardo" would be my way to nirvana.
The only thing is,the Transrotor is too big for my rack (and taste) and it's also more than my budget allows.

I can also get my hands on a (demo)Rega P3 (latest addition) for about 250,-
it's just that I hate the looks of the P3
(even more than the old Planar-3)

For the same money I also saw a Michell "Micro"
(Also to be ordered without hearing/seeing)

O,yeah, btw. I can also buy me a demoversion of an Alphason "Sonata" at my favorite Naim-dealer.
(which i can listen to in my own system)
Don't know the price of it yet,but I guess it's
less than the price of a LP12.

Greetings, Y'all

Alco

A new P3 is great, too.

I haven't heard the others, Martin Colloms was very positive on the Sonata with two motors, wouldn't recommend it with one motor (Stereophile, Vol 13, no. 3 - 1990).

Phil

I've used just such a system fronted by exactly the same LP12 setup - it sounds great.

A word of warning though, the K18 has been out of production for several years (3-5?). I would suggest the stylus is well past it's best, and Linn do not make replacements. I'd budget for a new cartridge and factor in a lower valuation for the K18.

The axis is a good TT and easier to keep running (less servicing required), but I think the humble Nait / Kan may show some of its shortcomings.

The NAIT1 / 2 seem to be less forgiving of poor source material than some of Naim's larger amps - not sure why, but it's my experience.

You'll never regret the LP12, I've had mine some 14 years now, no other single personal posession, musical or otherwise, has given me such long term pleasure and I've never once regretted the money spent on it.

Andy.

Andrew L. Weekes

The Nait-2 isn't exactly that a revealing amp (although kans are revealing speakers) so the Nait will be fine with the Basik. A decent support under the Basik (such as a Mana soundtable - and I know a piggy man with one for sale ) will supercharge it.

Of course, in the long run the LP12 wins, but a well bought Basik will appreciate in value, whilst an LP12 may actually lose some value - again, speaking from experience here - I'd say it's down to economics. If you don't intend upgrading the rest of the system and want to get a system which does the Basik's right then the baby Linn is ideal. However, the LP12 is upgradable and may lead you into new arenas in time.

One other thing - I'd place a mint Basik with Akito and K9 cartridge at just a little below the sound quality of a bog-standard setup LP12/Basik PSU/Akito/K9 setup, for reference. One layer of Mana will bring the baby Linn up to the standards of the bigger Linn.

John (who has been there, done that)

Would a Linn Axis be more heading towards the LP12 or more to a Basik ?

It's just that I can get my hands on a mint Axis/Akito at my local Naim-dealer for 1500,- Dutch guilders (about 350,- UKP)

Another bonus is that I can demo it in a Nait-2/Kan-II system, at that same dealer as well.

Do you think, it would outperform my CD-3.5 ?

ps: here's a recent (low quality) digi-picture of my humble system

Greetings,
Alco

I don't think the Axis is much better than the CD3.5, but until I changed my Credos to SBLs I always preferred listening to Vinyl; now, after I got my (very sweet) cherry-SBLs it's the first time I really enjoy listening to CDs!

For me Axis and CD3.5 are very different, but on a similar level... Anyway, I would go for the LP12 if I had the choice! Why not demo a LP12 at your dealer and take the s/h one?

Best wishes from Jun

P.S.: nice picture, nice room!

Unfortunatly, my Naim-dealer hasn't got a LP12,so I have to order the s/h one blindly.

My dealer only has an Axis/Akito, a Alphason Sonata, a Rega planar-3 and some very exotic TT's from Well Tempered,Avid,Nottingham Analoque,etc.

I think I'll better wait a little longer until I find a LP12 (or something on a similar level) at a dealer nearby,so I can listen to it first!

It's just pretty hard to find some good s/h TT's in Holland. (good vinyl too,btw)

well, patience might we rewarding,eh

Greetings,
Alco.

Maybe another dealer could demo you the LP12...?

Basik is something like a very very cheap Axis, but both, Axis and Basik, are totally different from LP12... If you ever heard the LP12, you would for sure order blindly :-)

Good luck with your LP12!
Jun

quote:

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I'd place a mint Basik with Akito and K9 cartridge at just a little below the sound quality of a bog-standard setup LP12/Basik PSU/Akito/K9 setup, for reference. One layer of Mana will bring the baby Linn up to the standards of the bigger Linn.

---

mmmmm - interesting, but not what I think.

John, why not find out if the geddon/Aro will work with the Basik and spend the rest of the insurance money on records.

Alco, I used an LP12/valhalla/ittok with several cartridges into 42.5/110 and Kans Mk1 for about 9 years. It v much depends on what you are looking for from the TT but I would advocate the LP12.

Chris

Looks like the LP12 is (again) the winner here.

..hmm,2 dealers in my area weren't that enthousiastic 'bout the LP12,considering it's price.
(the first dealer voted (in my case) for an Axis,Rega P3 or else the Alphason "Sonata".)
The other one voted for the Transrotor Leonardo.

both dealers didn't had a LP12 in stock though...

Everytime I look on the www at some britisch audio-store's website I'm getting jealous at you Englisch blokes. It's raining LP12's over there and they're much cheaper.
(compared to s/h prices in Holland)

Well, as soon as my front-end plans have become a fact, I'll let ya know.

Greetings from a sunny Holland,
Alco.

Rico - all your base are belong to us.

Despite all your recommendations regarding the LP12,I decided that the 750,- UKP is too much for my budget. (and I would probably have to buy a new cartridge too,since the mounted K18 is pretty old)

But.... A well respected HiFi-dealer in Holland is now offering two occasions:
A Rega planar-3 for 185 UKP (750,- Dutch guilders)

and a Michell "Mycro" with rb300 arm. for 250 UKP.
(995,- Dutch guilders)

Is the Michell any good. I know about the Michel Gyro,but I never heard anything 'bout the old Mycro.

I just decided that, in my case I probably be better of starting with a good but affordable deck,so I save some money to build up a new LP-collection.

Greetings,
Alco.

quote:

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here's a recent (low quality) digi-picture of my humble system

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Hi, I notice that you're using some rather large and dense stands; I'm told that the Kans work best on Kan II stands as they supposedly require a light rigid stand. Have you considered that?

Sorry for the off-topic; good luck on the TT hunt. Personally, I think the LP12 is the best bet as the Kans were designed around the vagaries of that deck.

Cheers

Keith.

Yup, I know about the fact that Kan's seem to work best on their own Kan-II stands.
It's just that I already had the Target-HR60 stands. They're very stabile,and it's hard to get some Kan-II stands around here and also be able to trade in my Target stands. (or sell 'em)

I do want some kan-II stands though. It's an affordable update!
Do Linn still make 'em?
(some person told me they do,but I'm not sure,since the Kan-II's are not longer being made)

See y'all

Alco.

quote:

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I do want some kan-II stands though. It's an affordable update!
Do Linn still make 'em?
(some person told me they do,but I'm not sure,since the Kan-II's are not longer being made)

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Yes they do!

The part number is "STAND 017" and the US price is $250. I just put together a new pair for my Kans and I like them a lot. I haven't seen the original stands so I can't speak for how close they are to the initial release.

I haven't really tried the Kans with any other stands so I can't say how they compare, but the word is that they must either sit on these stands or bolt to a wall mount.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Keith.

me again...

I read this review on www.audioreview.com.

It's from a guy who owns an LP12 for many years and has a record-collection of >2000.

I quote:

"So how does it compare to the LP12? I hear you ask. I'd say it's generally on a par; I prefer the CD 3.5 in some instances and the LP12 in others, and I haven't really looked further than that. Maybe it depends on how I'm feeling that day!"

"That's all I really want to say folks."

"Oops, almost forgot, I added a FlatCap two weeks ago! Another layer has been peeled away! What I thought was real is now really real!"

His system:
Linn LP12/EKOS/TROIKA
Naim CD3.5/FlatCap
Naim NAC-72/HiCap/3 x NAP-250
___________________________________________

Hmm,this is confusing stuff,dudes.
It's hard to believe the LP12/Ekos/Troika could be on a par with my CD-3.5 with flatcap.

If his words make any sense I'd probably better buy me a Hi-cap (use a f/c now) for my CD3.5,instead of going the vinylroute again.

What a shame,I can't compare both of 'em next to each other.

well, I can check out some other TT's though.
We'll see what happenes.

Greetings,Y'all.

Alco.

John

Is the N.A. speacedeck the entry-level one from this company? I'm not that familiar with N.A.
(I only know they look stunning, to me)

There's one dealer in my area who just LOVES the
Transrotor "Leonardo 25"
(about 800,- UKP) incl. rb300 = Goldring "Eroica".

Anaybody out there heard/has/knows this TT ?

Greetings, Y'all

Alco.

In all fairness, of course the LP12/Aro/Lingo/etc. was better than the Basik/K9. However, not by as much as I'd expected - not that the LP12 was in any way off - it wasn't - but that the Basik can still cut the mustard.

In many ways it's the Nait-2 of turntables - inexpensive, capable, no frills but fun and easy to live with.

At Phase 7 Mana, it's a delight (with limitations) but the Nait is not a particularly revealing amplifier and so it was kind to the Basik.

Had you said, what do I partner to a 52/250, of course the Basik wouldn't do it. But in the context of a Nait-based system, the Basik is a great place to start and a turntable which is appreciating in value.

Never had an Axis, although I would say that it's a decent TT if it's in good nick. The LP12 is the one to go for, but I wouldn't feel that it's the only option - the rest of an LP12 system really ought to be top notch, and the Nait-2 would admittedly let the system down a bit. However, source-first and all that.

John

PS. The Nait-2 is great, don't get me wrong, it's just not in the LP12-partnering league if you want to do a loaded LP12 justice...

hm,too bad most of you guys don't understand a word Dutch,for my (audio)life-story and pictures of my current system are to see at:

www.hifi.nl "Set van de week"

well, that's all folks.

See y'all

Alco

Nice story and nice pictures!

Groetjes!

Willem