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Help ! Best MC cartridge for Linn LP12?

I have a LP12 with new EkosSE arm with Skale weight. The TT has Keel chassis, Radikal power, AQ Leopard cable. I use a Krystal MC now. I'm asking what cartridges mate best with my setup from a compliance standpoint- weight mount, suspension table etc.  From that list I'll try narrow down to good selections that mate to my phono/pre. Hopefully I will have a few that I can choose from to suit my listening tastes, knowing that compatibility isn't coloring what I hear. My budget limit is $10k. I have some thoughts already, but don't want to bias comments by naming them. So please help me to narrow my options down to the best candidates. 
papafrgog

Showing 6 responses by daveyf

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daveyf
3,003 posts
 
There are a couple of great cartridges that come to mind with that budget. It will depend on how much output your phono stage is comfortable with...if it can sustain very low output, then the new Etna SL and the new Proteus with Diamond cantilever come to mind. If higher output is required, then look at the regular Lyra Etna or maybe one of the higher output Koetsu's. 
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,003 posts
 
As usual, we have LP12 naysayers who have never heard a fully decked out version. The Ekos SE ( while perhaps NOT the most resolving of arms) is a classic arm for the TT and is best suited for it weight wise. The arm can easily support the likes of the Etna and others...even heavy carts like a Benz LPSMR. The main criteria is how much noise you are going to get through your Janus Eclipse....and that has to do with the carts output, plain and simple. I would go with the Etna and call it a day.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,003 posts
 
glennewdick, the system that you heard the 'fully decked' out LP12 is an interesting one....please do tell us what the 'fully decked' out LP12 consisted of? Hate to stir the pot here also, but I think one could safely say that a Quad 57 system driven by 6 Quad mono amps would be in of itself a little.... colored. I like the sound of the 57's--a lot, but the Quad mono amps were not the most 'resolving' IMHO, LOL.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,003 posts
 
glennewdick, how long ago did you happen to listen to this 'maxed out' LP12?-- "Maxed out" meaning it had the latest Keel subchassis, the booplinth, Radikal D power supply and motor, Cirkus bearing, An Ekos SE tonearm, along with the same cartridges that were mounted on all of the other tables....just saying...:0) Or was it perhaps ---less than 'maxed out'!
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,003 posts
 
Glennewdick, your opinions on the LP12 are interesting, but I do think that you have probably not heard a fully speced LP12 Klimax model. This TT can stand next to just about any table made and still be competitive. Some would say that the Garrard’s are hopelessly colored in reference to the LP12 Klimax....and I would be one of those people.
Depends on what floats your boat... but please don’t mistake a top of the line LP12 Klimax with Radikal D, with some of the older LP12’s of yesteryear!
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,003 posts
 
Bart, I think you are making the mistake that a lot of people make with Linn gear. The TT is excellent, but unfortunately- and IMHO, some of the Linn cartridges and the Linn electronics are no where near as resolving as the LP12! The Linto and the Klyde are IME a major bottle neck to getting good sound. Doesn’t surprise me a bit that you are a little disappointed with the total SQ from your vinyl. Dump the Linto and the Klyde, upgrade the phono stage and cartridge and then get back to us.
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