What to do on turntable?

[TimB]

I am debating, should I upgrade my Linn LP12 to Lingo (from Valhala) and do the Cirkus bearing and springs, or should I consider a new table? I was maybe thinking about the Finyl Tool no suspension that Fremer reviewed, as it has motor and voltage control. ANy one have any thoughts or comments? I should note, I really have enjoyed the Linn, but the cost to upgrade may be prohibative.

[Metralla]

Definitely get the Cirkus bearing modification and run with that for a few months. You will be very pleased with that upgrade. It will increase the resale value proprtionally should you decide after a couple of months to change tables.

I'd seriously look at a Teres if you are sure you want to get rid of the Sondek.

The Lingo change is one where a good demonstration would be required to see if it suits you. I'm not over the moon about it. I have heard a close comparison between to Cirkus'd Linns, one with the Valhalla board and one with the Lingo motor controller; it was a closely run thing. The Lingo upgrade is not cheap, and more rewarding benefits may be found in an arm or cartridge upgrade.

What arm are you currently using?

Regards,
Metralla

[TimB]

I am useing a Linn Ittok VII arm. The cartridges that I currently own are a Shure V15VMR (the one before the current one), A Signet MC60 which is a very rare removable stylus MC cartridge and it sounds very nice, A Koeatsu Black which I am not so sure I like it has great tonality but has some strange pahesing to it, and a Denon MC140. I have thought of getting a better cartridge as well, maybe a Linn MC or the Clearaudio MM Aurum Beta S.
Thanks for the imput!
Any suggestions on cartridges, I listen yo Blues, Rock and Roll, and Pop music mainly.

[Martin M]

In a suggested order of effectiveness and cost

1. Get the LP-12 set-up well - cheap to do and effective.
2. Get a Mana Reference Table - remarkable under an LP-12
3. Consider either the new Lingo (3rd generation) or Naim Armageddon - the Naim is 33 1/3 rpm only
4. Consider ditching the Ittok in favor of Naim Aro or Linn Ekos - not a subtle improvement
5. Consider a Dynavector 17D catridge in favor of the Shure. - IMO a better cartridge and better physically suited to arm.

Personally, I would not change from the Lp-12 in your position. I would say that you have hardly scratched the surface of its potential performance.

The Cirkus is interesting. It substaintally corrects the 'tubby-bass' accusations that can be levelled at the Lp-12. Some accuse it of losing some of the music in the process. I run a Cirkused Lp-12 and don't regret it.

My LP-12/Armageddon/Aro/Pre-fix/XX-2 on Mana is capable of remarkable quality, and preserves the life in music that other 'rated' turntables can lose for small gains in tonality.

[hfloyd5]

I would think that the Final Tool with an Origin Live RB250 or Silver would be a better choice. The only replies you have received seem to have been from Linn Afficionados. The Lingo upgrade is expensive and you still have a touchy Linn turntable. The Circus upgrade would have to be done by someone who know's what they are doing and would also not be particularly cheap. The Linn turntable reminds me of a 50's english sports car. When finely tuned, they are lots of fun. When not, get your walking shoes. I have watched many Linn turntables being set up and there seems to be a very high voodoo aspect to the process. The Final Tool seems to be a much more user friendly product. Also, I would get one of the after market VTA devices for the Origin Live arm. I can't agree with Rega's assertion that changes in VTA are subservient to mechanical stiffness.