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Linn Linto Phono Stage - Comments Please

My analog chain currently consists of an older Linn LP12 with Hercules PS, Ittok LVII (black) Tonearm, Ortofon MC X30 with Boron Cantilever and Micro Line stylus by VAS, and a Linn Linto MC phono stage.

Before you ask - I broke the cantilever on the MC X30 and sent to VAS for repair.  I had him use the Boron/ML combination for repair. Interesting that the new MC X50 uses that combination.

I have very limited experience with phono preamps and wanted to hear your thoughts on the Linto and what else I may or should consider.  How much would I have to spend today to get better results?  I like the Linto but have nothing to compare it to.

maam522a
audiodidact's avatar
audiodidact
109 posts
 

@maam522a:
I bought it needing repairs.  Took it to George Meyer in Los Angeles: They repaired the power supply and input/output circuits and resoldered the bad connections on the main board. Works like new now. It’s very expansive in my system. Clean and very quiet. 

maam522a OP
180 posts
 

@audiodidact Thanks for the insight.  Mine appears to work fine and I really enjoy the silent background and detail.

audiodidact's avatar
audiodidact
109 posts
 

@maam522a 

Glad to hear you’re enjoying it too. I moved up from a SUT + Rega MM/MC Phono preamp. It was a good choice for me. 

larryi
4,646 posts
 

Back when the Linto came out, it was a good unit at its price point.  Technology hasn't changed in that time so it remains a good unit at its relative price point.  But, inflation probably has moved that price point considerably higher.  I am only guessing, but something better would be north of $5,000 these days.

audiodidact's avatar
audiodidact
109 posts
 

@larryi 

Yes, that’s what I’ve found in looking at what would replace the Linn: I’m sold on the E.A.R. 324 for the next upgrade, but at almost $6,000, I’m happy to have the Linn for the next couple of years. 

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