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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
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drrsutliff
299 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
1,174 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
1,801 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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