LP12 cartridge choice


I have an LP 12 with Ekos arm. Currently with Benz MO9
with AR PH3SE phono preamp. Wondering if Lyra Helikon, or Van Den Hul Frog, or Koetsu ? what would be a good upgrade ?
I do have cirkus and trampolin, but no lingo...should I do that first ?
flying
I recommend the Origin Live DC motor kit for the LP-12. Then buy ~$1000 dollars worth of records with the money you would have spent on the Lingo. One man's opinion. Cheers, John
I have a fully "loaded" LP-12 including the Linto phono preamp. You should consider the Lingo upgrade before cartridge change. After that I would go with Linn's ArkivII cartridge.
Outboard power supply is very important. Try a denon dl103 and if you have the bucks, 600, try the shelter.
First, unless your Sondek is sitting on a very heavy piece of furniture rather than a dedicated support(preferably of low mass/high rigidity as per Linn recommendations) you should ditch the Trampolin and return to the stock base.
The improvement to focus,pace,timing,etc will be nearly half of the benefit of upgrading to Cirkus or Lingo.
Further gains can be had by leaving the lossy bottom cover off entirely and improvising new attachment points for the original Linn hard rubber feet with triangular pieces of Duron.
The downside is that this tweek exposes lethal voltages of the Valhalla board to the clumsy or curious.
A simple fabric cover could be fabricated to somewhat restrict accidental electrocution,tho.

Best,
Ken