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Linn Ittok lvii Mk. II upgrade to Origin Live or ?

I am thinking of selling my Linn Ittok lvii Mk. II with one piece counterweight to upgrade to a used top-end Origin LIve MK3c, Live Silver MK. II or possibly other arms like a unipivot arm (brand and research not completed). The question is this: Is the upgrade over my excellent Ittok Mk. II large enough if I bought a used MK3c series (used) or would I notice a difference if I went with a modded Silver with tube filling and other upgrade options?

My table is a Linn LP12 with Cirkus bearing, epoxied sub-chassis, Valhalla speed control (completely rebuilt from top to bottom), new armboard and a like-new Benz Micro Glider SL LOMC cartridge. I listen to folk/indie/singer-songwriter albums with a lot of jazz and the ocasional classical recording.

I am thinking of upgrading my cartridge as well to a modified DL-103 or possibly a new Benz with wooden body (model and research not fully completed). I love the sound of the SL so I might keep it and base my tonearm around this cart.

Suggestions? What $1500 or less (used) tonearm sounds good with a Linn LP12? I am not sure if I buy the fact a Linn tonearm sounds best on a Linn deck, but I rarely see Linn tonearms on non-Linn decks - does that say something?

Reading the reviews, the forums and on-line can get overwhelming and I am more undecided now that I was when I started this upgrade process.

D
analog_source
7 responses Add your response
manitunc
795 posts
 
Have you looked into the Audiomods? It is a real bargain. Otherwise, check the Helius Omega.
analog_source OP
6 posts
 
Thank you for the mention of Audiomods - I am seriously considering that arm. My cartridge is on their recommended list and was tested with the arm.

The Helius Omega is a bit outside my budget, although the reviews are great and the quality seems to be impeccable.
polk432
1,142 posts
 
Save up for the Ekos. But.. only if you don't think that much of your Ittock. I've owned both and would keep the Ittock. If it ain't broke... Good luck.
tbromgard
814 posts
 
I own the silver mk ii and think it is a very good tone arm. It performs way above its price and can accomidate a large variety of cartridges. I have read about issues with the silver mk ii and the denon cartridge due to its light weight. However, if you add weight to it, like Zu Audio, it should be terrific. In fact, I too am interested in the combo. I contacted OL to ask their recommendations for an upgrade. OL suggested a new OL live arm will outperform the silver (any version) by a significant margin. At $1500, yiou could get a new OL arm and a Zu Audio modded Denon...thats what I would do....
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drrsutliff
860 posts
 
I have the OL Encounter Mk3c that was an upgrade in my system from an original OL Silver. I am presently using it on an OL table with a Benz Ebony cartridge. When I upgraded from the Silver to the Encounter I was using my Sumiko Blackbird and the performance increase was notable. Now with the Benz the sound is excellent. The ability from have easy VTA adjustment on the Encounter is a definite benefit over the Silver. I have not used the Ittok so I cannot comment on a direct comparison. The Encounter was bought on this site well within your budget.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,874 posts
 
I think matching most arms to the LP12 is very much a hit and miss biz. IMO, most of the super arms today aren't going to work on the table. Probably the best, if you can find one, is the Naim Aro. I would suspect that the OL's are going to be too heavy.
Might try a WTA like I use, works superbly with a Benz Ruby and is a much greater performer than the Ittok lvii that it replaced.
chayro
2,996 posts
 
I would stick with what you have, as you refer to it as "excellent". Many people want a major upgrade, but then set an unrealistic budget for major improvements. What phono preamp are you using? I was using a Project Tube Box II and the upgrade to a used Linto ($800) was very apparent. More freedom from overload, less congestion. Much, much better, IMO.
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