I bought a near mint Basik/Akito rig a few years ago, swapped out the tonearm cable (rat bites...seriously), scored a new pair of hinges, and am using a Sumiko Pearl with a Cambridge 640p/Pangea P100 power supply preamp. I keep thinking I should buy something better while this thing still has value, but it sounds so damn good I can't pull the trigger on anything newer. Rock solid speed, amazingly engaging sound...I think it stays. It came with the K5 cart but I switched to an AT440ML that was sizzle city (my test for this is a Yo Yo Ma solo Bach LP). That was replaced by the Pearl (my local hifi shop dude recommended it) which sounds beautiful and might be the best 125 bucks I've spent on any hifi component.
Linn Basik Turntable LVX Tonearm Shure V15 V Cart
I achieved a remarkable and unexpected sound and synergy with the trio of a Linn Basik Turntable, Basik LVX Tonearm and Shure V15 V Cart. This trio unexpectidly bested many of the top names in turntables and Carts around, such as Linn LP12, Oracle Alexandria, Thorens and equally good cart combinations.
I not only like the sound of the Basik LVX Arm but also like the ease of its detachable headshell.
I suspect the Linn Axis turntable (nice to have switch on top) will sound very close the same with the LVX tonearm as it has a similar motor and wooden top. Steel tops tend to sound just that, steely. I have noticed that feet placement does make a difference though.
I liked the sound of this Trio so much that I had a beautiful Cocobolo plinth made for it (keeping the wooden top in place) and had no degradation or change to the sonic signature. Feet placement does make a difference though, and could be different with the Axis.
See the review of my entire system including this turntable and Zu Audio Druid speakers powered by an Almarro 318B SET Amp on Audiogon under Virtual Systems, "Done for Now"
I not only like the sound of the Basik LVX Arm but also like the ease of its detachable headshell.
I suspect the Linn Axis turntable (nice to have switch on top) will sound very close the same with the LVX tonearm as it has a similar motor and wooden top. Steel tops tend to sound just that, steely. I have noticed that feet placement does make a difference though.
I liked the sound of this Trio so much that I had a beautiful Cocobolo plinth made for it (keeping the wooden top in place) and had no degradation or change to the sonic signature. Feet placement does make a difference though, and could be different with the Axis.
See the review of my entire system including this turntable and Zu Audio Druid speakers powered by an Almarro 318B SET Amp on Audiogon under Virtual Systems, "Done for Now"