Hi!
I have a Linn Axis/Akito/K9 and I am about to get a LP12. My K9 needs a new stylus wich is not available at the moment, so I found a very cheap s/h-Troika wich I want to rebuild (Expert Stylus).
So what about the arm? My dealer offers me an Ittok4 for GBP 180 plus my Akito (old version). The Ittok is supposed to be in perfect condition.
Is that too much? Should I stay with my Akito and save for an ARO? (In any case I want an ARO later...)
Another question: should I order the LP12 with or without Trampolin Kit?
Jun
[This message was edited by Jun Keller on THURSDAY 14 June 2001 at 23:49.]
Posted on: 14 June 2001 by Eric Barry
In the US, an Ittok is $275-$400, and you could get $200 or more for the Akito on ebay, so the total cost should be say $150, plus say $50 for the dealer install.
I would think Ittocks would be even cheaper in the UK as they were much more common, and as a used LP12 costs about 50-60% of the price in the US.
--Eric
Posted on: 14 June 2001 by Jens
Go for the Ittok. I have an Ittok 4, it's a great arm, and if you want to get into better cartridges (MC) you are going to need an arm of this calibre. If you have managed to talk your dealer into accepting your old arm, so much the better, because these days there is a pretty small market for these things. While some amy argue that you could get the arm for less (I'd be surprised), I think you'll find that in terms of value for money (ie sound improvement/cost) it's going to be one of the best moves you'll ever make, particularly in light of the cost of upgrading Naim preamps, power supplies etc.
Cheers, Jens
Posted on: 14 June 2001 by John G.
I went through a couple Troika with an Ittok LVIII. The combo sounded great. This was the before a Lingo/Cirkus upgrade?
Get the Ittok and ES rebuilt Troika and enjoy for awhile!
Get a Mana stand for your LP12 as well as the Mana feet as a next significant upgrade. Made a world of improvement for me. Sort it out from there. That's my 2 cents.
Happy Listening,
John
Posted on: 14 June 2001 by Bob Edwards
I think the Ittok (or some other upgraded arm) is just about mandatory given that you will be using a Troika. I once saw a Karma in an early Akito--it worked, but barely and badly--a K9 in an Ittok sounded better.
Can't comment on the pricing in the UK, but if your dealer says it is in perfect shape and will stand behind it that is worth quite a lot in my book.
Cheers,
Bob
Ride the Light !
Posted on: 15 June 2001 by jpk73
So that means in some cases a Trampolin could also make it worse...? The LP12 will sit on a SolidSteel Rack on a wooden floor: should I order my LP12 without Trampolin?
I forgot to tell you that I will use an almost new Armageddon wich a friend gave me *very* cheap!
Thanks for all your answers,
Jun
