Avid Diva II SP or keep my Linn


Currently I own a 1986 Linn LP12 w/a Cirkus upgrade, Ittok tonearm, Lingo 3. The cart is a Dynavector 20xl2. However I have a chance to get a Avid Diva II SP w/a Clearaudio Clarify arm for $3300. I've always been impressed w/Avid. Would this be much of an upgrade? Any thoughts on the Clearaudio tone arm. If I sell my Linn I will transfer the Dynavector cart to the Avid.
linnlingo

Showing 4 responses by chayro

If the money is not that big a deal, I would box up the Linn and try the Avid.  I loved my Linn, but when I went to the Basis, I realized the Linn imparted sort of a boxy coloration to the sound - not unpleasant, but noticeable once you have a turntable without it.  The trick is to find a table that sounds neutral, but not cold like some do.  Honestly, I don't think anyone can tell you whether you will prefer one to the other, but I think you should take the opportunity to branch out from the Linn and form your own opinion.  You might end up being a Linnie for life, like so many others.  Or not. 
The Ittok is a damn good arm, IMO.  If it's bottom you're looking for, I would consider experimenting with the shelves.  I have never seen a turntable more affected by what it sits on.  Mine was mounted on a wall shelf and we started with a plywood shelf I think.  We then changed to a Neuance shelf and the setup guy looked at me, as if to say - "Are you kidding?"  The whole bottom end opened up tremendously.  So fool around with that if you're so inclined. 
That is exactly what Linn says not to do.  Try building a mini-shelf on top of the rack.  Use a piece of Corian or whatever and put 3 or 4 cones under the shelf.  I guarantee you'll hear a big difference.  Better or worse?  That's up to you.  The Neuance was sort of a hollow piece of foam, sort of like a surfboard.  It was about 2" thick and very light and rigid.  But I also found that Corian worked well.  Even glass on the Naim Fraim, which is usually a no-no.  
I loved the wall shelf for my Linn.  I had springy floors and the tt would go crazy if you looked at it the wrong way.  I knew a wall shelf would be better, buty I was amazed at the degree of isolation.  But if you're not having footfall problems, I don't know what the sonic benefit would be compared to some of the options listed above.