I have an LP 12 of that vintage which I upgraded with Mose Hercules PS , Sole sub chassie and arm board and new springs. Amazing improvement for not that much money but requires a good technition unless you are really handy yourself. I have had Ittoks : the cartridges I used with them that are still avalable are the AT OC9; I still like that but the EV 33 is even better, and the Denon 304. The Dynavector line [dealer disclaimer] is also very good. Get the new mat first thing, $25 + a few dollars shipping from the Linn store on ebay. The HO Dynavectors will work into your MM input; otherwise I would budget for a good phono stage or SUT before deciding on an expensive low output MC.
Decent cartridge for Linn LP12 with Ittok LVII
My system has recently come out of storage after 6 years and I think I need to start with a replacement for my Linn K18 mm cartridge that is at least 12-15 years old. The table is a 1985 valhalla LP12 with Ittok LVII. Neither circus nor trampolin nor lingo upgrades, though I am thinking of a used lingo. Speakers are newer--Vienna Acoustic Mozart Grands; electronics are 20 year old Adcom 545 amp (100 watts/side) and 565 preamp (internal MM phono). Starting at the source, does anyone have any particular recommendations for a MM or MC or MI (Soundsmith?) cartridges that interact well with that table and arm? In terms of cost I suppose $500 to $1,000 though I would prefer to do it once and not be dissatisfied once I upgrade electronics, too (thinking tube integrated but perhaps separate tube preamp and either tube or SS amp). I mostly listen to rock and jazz (or at least I used too). Thanks for whatever guidance you can provide.
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