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Help ! Best MC cartridge for Linn LP12?

I have a LP12 with new EkosSE arm with Skale weight. The TT has Keel chassis, Radikal power, AQ Leopard cable. I use a Krystal MC now. I'm asking what cartridges mate best with my setup from a compliance standpoint- weight mount, suspension table etc.  From that list I'll try narrow down to good selections that mate to my phono/pre. Hopefully I will have a few that I can choose from to suit my listening tastes, knowing that compatibility isn't coloring what I hear. My budget limit is $10k. I have some thoughts already, but don't want to bias comments by naming them. So please help me to narrow my options down to the best candidates. 
papafrgog
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,391 posts
 
I guess I am lucky. My LP12 is tremendously musical. My digital side, with a Bricasti M1 at its core, is also extremely musical. Perhaps this is why I've not changed gear in years. 
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 
Bart, I think you are making the mistake that a lot of people make with Linn gear. The TT is excellent, but unfortunately- and IMHO, some of the Linn cartridges and the Linn electronics are no where near as resolving as the LP12! The Linto and the Klyde are IME a major bottle neck to getting good sound. Doesn’t surprise me a bit that you are a little disappointed with the total SQ from your vinyl. Dump the Linto and the Klyde, upgrade the phono stage and cartridge and then get back to us.
djfst
169 posts
 
There are also some VPI Avengers on US Audiomart I would take a look at depending on your interest.  Always have been a VPI fan and their customer service is great.  The Avenger allows any tonearm you'd ever want to use.  Very user-friendly table.
soldevere
11 posts
 
hi Papa -- a Kandid and the Urika phono stage would be pretty hard to argue with, synergy-wise. that said, i encourage you to compare the foregoing with a Dynavector XX2 and the Dyna SUP-200 step-up transformer, which you can run into your current preamp if it has a MM stage. (otherwise, Dyna’s own P75 phono would be perfect.)

happy hunting!
joe
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