Linn Upgrade?


I'm currently using a totally original ~1982 LP12, pre-Valhalla, pre-Cirkut, with a Fidelity Research FR64x arm and Benz MC20E-L cartridge. With the usual "upgrade-itis" I've been tempted by the Hercules II and/or MOSE upgrades (substitutes for the very-expensive Lingo, highly praised over in the Linn forum on vinylengine), or upgrading the cartridge. But the other voice in my head says that given the technology changes over the last 27 years, perhaps it makes more sense to buy a new VPI Scout (etc.). I'm actually quite happy with the sound of the Linn as it is, but having listened to a number of super-systems recently, am aware that things could be better. Of course the problem is that everything in the chain has an impact, but in terms of the vinyl front end alone, any thoughts?
palewin

Showing 2 responses by brf

I use to own a FR64s arm and it was not a very good match with a Linn table...way to heavy of an arm. The FR14 was designed for the Linn, but IMHO. it too was also too heavy. The FR64 has great re-sale value, therefore, I would part out the arm and sell the table and arm separately and buy a new VPI product. If you really like the Linn sound, sell the FR64 and buy an Ekos.
The Fr64x is only slightly lighter than the Fr64s due to the anodized aluminum arm tube. I am very surprised to hear that a Linn dealer would recommend a Fr64 series arm with a spring suspension due to the arm's mass. FR made the fr12 and fr14 specifically for the Linn market, and many also felt those light weight fr12/14 arms to be still too heavy for the Linn. I am not sure you are hearing the arm's full potential on the Linn and vise versa.