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Best Turntable for the Price - Linn Basik

I added vinyl to my system recently. I originally felt that a CD source was superior until I heard just how natural and rich vinyl sounds with everything except perhaps hard rock, where the added dynamics and highs seemed to favor a CD source.

In my system, the Linn Sondek LP12, Thorens TD-125 MKII, Rega RP3, Oracle Alexandria and others bowed down to the Linn Basik Turntable with Basik LVX tonearm and Shure V15 VMR cartridge. Two top considerations, the Linn Sondek LP12 and Oracle Alexandria, sounded more detailed yet a little cooler and less rich and emotional than the Linn Basik turntable to me.

For the quality of sound that you get, the Linn Basik with Basik LVX tonearm has a rare "hard to believe your ears" musical synergy with the Shure V15 VMR cart which surprisingly bested all MC carts auditioned. Also, it is an ultra bargain with prices usually between $350 and $450, depending on condition.

Because I liked the sound so much (and the vinyl was peeling) that I had a beautiful Cocobolo Plinth made for it by John Piccioli of Furniture Craftsmen in Tucson, AZ. I left the original factory wooden top in place so as not to destroy the sonic signature by introducing a different material. BTW, I the preferred sound of the Basik LVX tonearm with its detachable head-shell, to the highly regarded Linn Akito tonearm with its fixed headshell.

I found the best cartridge depends on the turntable and tonearm it is mated with. I owned and trialed most of the best and more popular MM and high output MC carts including offerings such as the Sumiko Blackbird & Evo III, Dynavector 20X2H, Benz, Grado (too warm & dull to me), Ortofon Red & 2M Black (too bright to me), Shure M97XE (very nice balance of warm/detailed sound for the price), Denon DL-110 (sounded nervous and lacked richness in my system).

Of all the Cartridge/Turntable combinations that I tried, the Shure V15 VMR with the Linn Basik turntable and Basik LVX tonearm sounded the best, by a considerable margin. The Dynavector and Sumiko cartridges were close runner ups with this table.

BTW, Shure Specs the VN5MR without the stylus brush at 1.0 to 1.25 grams tracking weight. I have found that around 1.2g tracking weight, the sound is richer and less lean sounding than the recommended 1.0g setting.

FYI, the Thorens 125 MKII turntable seemed to come alive and have better synergy with the Sumiko Evo III cartridge (great sounding Cart, good balance, 3D imaging) than the Shure V15 V).
128x128plangco
2channel8
752 posts
 
Does anyone have any experience with a Jelco on the Basik?
Also, why does the Basik sound so good? It's a mystery to me. The motor is nothing special, nor the suspension. Is it the lack of a separated arm board? The platter? It's not the felt mat. Mine sounds better with cork. I just don't get it! Maybe it IS the LVX.
wolf_garcia
6,592 posts
 
I think the Basik was simply well thought out and designed carefully. I had no idea mine would work as well as it does when I bought it, and since it does I just have to keep it. I know Akito arms can wear out (bearings get sticky), the motor can come unstuck, and my original DIN cable had actual rat bites on it…replaced the cable with a Jelco Mogami with gold plated DIN connections, got a Mitchell record clamp, and replaced the hinges (I take the lid off during use as it seems more better). Good spindle oil maintenance (replace it when I think about it), and dust patrol (little fat squeeze ball with brush).  All the table does now is play LPs beautifully.
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,390 posts
 
Back in the day- about 25 years ago, I was already very familiar with the sound on an LP12 and thought it was amazing. At the time I had a Thorens TD166 mkIV

Decided to get a new table, but could not swing the $ for an an LP12. Found a great dealer (shameless plug- Accent on Music, Mt Kisco, NY) where I demoed my Thorens vs 1- an Axis, 2- a Basik, 3- Rega Planar 3 and and LP 12 as reference, spent just about the whole day. Loved the Axis, but couldn't afford it. Left me between the Basik and Planar 3. I thought the Rega was a no brainer. Dynamic, pacey, exciting. I walked out having bought the Planar 3 with no regrets. I kept the planar 3 for 8 years and then traded it for an LP12 which I still have, though it's been upgraded since I first got it (most  recently last year with a Kore subchasis). 
2channel8
752 posts
 
Wolf_Garcia,

I am was bit surprised by your remark on the Mitchell clamp, since Linn recommends they not be used. I believe the Mitchell is light enough for the Basik's low torque motor, though. Interesting. What mat are you using?
wolf_garcia
6,592 posts
 
I wanted a clamp just to see what's what, and the Mitchell "Rega" model seems to work (for a few years now)…I use a black graphite felt mat mostly to battle static issues (along with an AQ brush I seem to have conquered that). The mat also makes the LPs feel more comfortable being clamped down for the ride. I didn't know Linn didn't recommend these…damn…nobody tells me ANYTHING…the clamp is there mostly to make it seem like I care, and I do help the motor out when starting with a little push, so maybe I do care. I may sell the Basik rig sometime just due to Fear of Failure, but for the moment at least it's great. There's a new Pro-Ject "The Classic" table that appeals to me as a possible replacement, but I have no idea if it would sound better.
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