Linn LP12. What tonearm and cartridge?

I heard the LP-12 with a Graham and thought it was NOT a good match. The Ekos was a better match and I really knew what they (reviewers) meant when said the Ekos adds "zing" to the presentation. I have heard the ARO and liked it the best.

I had an Akito 1 and an AT OC-9 on my Lingoed LP12. The arm got damaged and with under $ 1500 to spend I settled on a rewired ( Cardas wiring ) Rega RB 300 with the Express Machining Heavy Weight counterweight and VTA adjuster base. Cartridge is a Benz Glider 2.

In the course of my research I was told that the SME IV and V arms are problematic on the LP12 because the TT suspension needs a relatively massive arm to compress it to thepoint where setup becomes easy and / or stable. So check your arm assembly's mass before you buy--a measurement around the same as that of the Ekos means the arm's a good bet for an LP12.

Get a used Ittok (make sure the bearings are good) and get the new Sumiko Celebration cartridge. You'll come in under $2,000.00. Only then will you be able to look in the mirror and dig yourself.