Worth upgrading tonearm cable?


Hi,

I have a recently refurbished SOTA Sapphire table with an Ortofon 2M “Blue” cartridge and a Linn Basik LVX tonearm, feeding into a Bottlehead Seduction tube phono stage.

Would it be worth upgrading the tonearm cable, and if so, what's a reasonably priced option (as in, $150 or less).

Thanks in advance!!
rebbi

Showing 4 responses by stanwal

Get a Rega instead, if you sell the Linn and add the $150 you will probably be there.
Any, the 600 is better but more expensive. There is a new 250 with VTA adjustment for $350. The lack of VTA adjustment is the only problem with the Rega and it can be added as it is here. I cannot say about the arm board; it may fit in the same cutout. Check the length of each arm. If the SOTA uses a wood board a woodworking shop can make a new one and cut it for new arm if you need a new one.
I should have specified my reasons for recommending it. The Rega is cast as one piece out of magnesium. SME also does this but no one remotely close to Rega's selling price does. This produces a much more rigid, resonance free arm. Rega can only afford this because of economies of scale as they not only produce arms for themselves but for many other turntable companies. It is safe to say that they are essentially the default choice for those who do not wish to spend over $2000 on an arm. I have used them myself at a time when I was an SME dealer. The SME was better but the Rega was not embarrassed by the comparison.
The Rega 301 which lists for $495 is currently in Stereophile's Class A along with arms like the Linn Ekos SE which costs $4950. The next cheapest arm after the Rega is the VPI at $2400. The Linn Ittok , which I had at the same time as the Rega is as good but different. I think you will pay about $900 used for one. I have been an audio dealer most of my adult life( never for Rega) and the local dealer sounds like an idiot. You can tell him I said so. The Rega I previously recommended came with VTA adjustment. VTA adjusters for the Rega are available from many sources, including VPI, theirs is $150. What makes you sure that another Linn arm would fit in the same hole. If you don't care about appearances drill another hole in the same board.