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 1 response by palewin

Stanwal: Thanks for your recommendation - mat & belt ordered! I looked at the threads on HIFICRITIC, and I'll be curious to hear about your experiences with your "new" Linn. I'm still tempted by the Hercules/MOSE, but will wait for the mat & belt to arrive and see how much change I can hear. (My "problem" is that the Linn sounds good to me as it is, this is always an exercise in "can I make it even better.")
Brf: My arm is the lighter FR64x, not the stainless steel FR64s. It was selected by my local Linn dealer when I returned from my expat years in England (where I bought the LP12). It has always seemed a good match, but of course, without A/B testing its hard to tell. My LP12 started out with an SME 3009/II in England, then an Infinity Black Widow (may have been the only one in the U.K. at the time!) and finally the FR64x when I moved from Shure to MC cartridges.
All: When I started this thread, the very similar "LP12 or New TT" wasn't up on the forum; it must have been posted at almost the same time, and has many more responses to the same question, so apologies for duplicating questions!