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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 1 response by dover

dover
2,291 posts
 
@papafrgog
I have set up many Linns with the Ekos tonearm - here are my suggestions
  1. Invest in a wall shelf - this will lower the noise floor of your Linn over any floor mounted rack.
  2. I would question your use of the Audioquest Leopard tonearm cable. To me it looks too stiff for the Linn suspension to operate optimally.
  3. As far as cartridges go, the Ekos is quite versatile - I have set up many Koetsus ( including the stone bodied ), Decca, Van den Hul, Dynavector and Linn successfully to name a few. The only range I would avoid would be the Clearaudio’s. Given that you like rock the Koetsu’s may be a bit loose in the bottom end. Look at the reviews, your phono gain and system characteristics to find optimal match. If you don’t have enough gain you can easily loose dynamics.


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