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.
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
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