Where Can I go From an LP-12/Ittok LV II/Lingo

I have had a Sondek LP12 since 1983 and I'm still very content. It has gone through all the available upgrades, but still employing the Ittok LVII tonearm and a new Akiva cartridge. This cartridge is obviously a beautiful sound and excellent match to the rest of the rig. It is made by Scan-tech (to Linn spec) who also makes the Lyra Helikon and has much of the same attributes, minus none. It will hold up with anything I've heard near its price range. If you were interested in this cartridge but the price is the sticking point, there is a strategy to make it affordable by finding an old Arkiv on A'gon or ebay you can trade it in for a eleven hundred dollar trade value toward the new cartridge. This will take a huge bite out of an expensive venture. With the trade value (presently about twice that of the Arkiv) on the Akiva, if it holds, you next cartridge will become even more affordable if you stick with Linn. I realize that is a long time off yet but something tells me Linn and records are going to be around, at least in my life for some time to come. Another huge upgrade that I should have recommended first is a "circus" bearing upgrade, if you do not already have it. Beyond the timbre and detail improvements, the fact that the surface noise will be cut in half from that of the previous bearing is a substantial improvement. Just a few ways to go in extracting a little more out of the grooves and from what you stated I don't see signs of discontent with your Linn deck. So, why fix what's not broke. There are probably about a zillion other ways to go and some might be more cost effective yet it means another deck and another set up and all that comes with it. Happy Listening in any case!

Im not a Linn owner, but know the table to some degree. If your Lingo'd you have a very good table already for sure. You would step up the performance significantly with a Naim Aro or Ekos. Dont know your current cart..but carts are plentiful and the LP would be excellent.

Linn Ittok vs Graham 2.0/2.2 on an LP-12

Xagwell,
I cannot comment on "Linn Ittok vs. Graham 2.0/2.2 on an LP-12" other than to say I have heard the Graham 2.2 on different TT's and with different cartridges and it is extremely competent. My own personal interest was to use the Graham and employ a second tonearm tube with a Mono Lyra cartridge and of course have adjustable VTA on the fly. I too would like very much to hear someone’s experience with a Graham/Linn combo. I wonder with Art Dudley's (Stereophile Mag.) love for the Linn Lp12 in its many iterations if he has ever tried it? Cheers!

Only the surface of my initial query has been scratched. If you wanted to improve, would you:
1. upgrade within Linn (Ekos/Arkive=5K)
or for = cash
2. New Table (Basis, VPI etc?)

I'm confused about the Ittok LVII vs Akito II. My dealer said that Linn considers the Akito an upgrade from Ittok. Any opinions?

Geor, the Akito II seems to be a highly overpriced arm. I got the II version right when it came out in Europe for around $350 on a Linn Basik. Now the Akito II is closer to $1000. Furthermore, while the Akito and Ekos did replace the Ittok, many users felt that the Ittok was still the superior arm. Looking back you can find many posts on Asylum, which claim the Ittok to be the better arm. I have not heard both on the same table though to make an actual comparison.

Linn of course insists otherwise.

Simple. Naim ARO upgrade for the tonearm and the dyna
XV-1 cartridge. You will be in Linn heaven.

I used the LP12 for years, moved on to Origin Live now, thats another story. I used the Ittok and it was excellent(only for MC cartridges as I am sure you know). IMHO, it betters the Akito considerably and the Ekos was its replacement. The only advised arm to avoid was a Rega arm, sorry, I can't remember why. BUT the Origin Live arms are a very cost effective upgrade, although Rega based, cheaper than the Ekos. I greatly improved on the Ittok with an OL Silver Taper, replaced by the current Encounter. Please remember the LP12 responds to loving care and needs rebalancing every year or so, more if it is moved. I tried, but it needs an expert, well versed in LP12 fettling.
Lastly, is your Lingo the latest version(out about 2 years)? it is better than the 1st version.
To summarise. 1 the ittok is a great arm but van be bettered, OL is a cheaper option than the Ekos or Aro.
2 A better cartridge is always well, better!
3 Make sure it is balanced properly
Finally te LP12 may be musical, but it is'nt the best deck in the world, few would claim that now. Basis, better VPI's, Origin Live, Avid decks will give a more detailed sound with better base. But many of us have a soft spot for the old LP12

in the world of 'no suspended subchassis' tables, the rega 9, the well tempered, or the oracle delphi would qualify as classics. beyond that their are hundreds of designs with thousands of opinions. the linn will always be a benchmark. even thorens has discovered to do it right they need to return to their original idea with the td350.number51

in the world of 'no suspended subchassis' tables, the rega 9, the well tempered, or the oracle delphi would qualify as classics. beyond that their are hundreds of designs with thousands of opinions. the linn will always be a benchmark. even thorens has discovered to do it right they need to return to their original idea with the td350number51

I hope this will enrich the thread rather than hijack it.

I have a non-Lingo'd LP12 w/ Ittok that I'm thinking of replacing with something less tweaky but not too pricey, such as the Nottingham Spacedeck or the Kuzma StabiS/StogiS, which I am intrigued by. Is this a dumb move and, if so, how dumb? :-)

It is obvious we Linnies are a special breed. It was a great place to start for me. Actually my first table was a Yamaha P320/Ortofon OM 20 cart circa 1978. It still works fine. However after approx 8 years with my Linn my taste/preference/earnings have changed. I have truly loved this table and have nothing bad to say, I just had my "tune up" a couple of months ago, but I will be getting a new table/arm as soon as I decide to go suspended or mass.