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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
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rauliruegas
12,899 posts
 
Dear Palewin: As you say everything in the chain has an impact, so you have to make the changes with care. Many alternatives about.

One of them is to change or try with a MM/MI cartridge ( especially that in your SP-8 you can choose for 100kohms to load in the right way a MM/MI cartridge! ), this could give you not only a different " sound " but could make an improvement for the better and your investment will be really low and " humble ".

regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
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stanwal
3,147 posts
 
The best change you can make at a very reasonable price is a new mat. Martin Colloms has used a Linn for over twenty years and said it was the best cheap upgrade he had ever had on anything. About $30 from an online shop in Scotland on ebay. Also a new belt if you have never changed it, around same price. The mat is a new thinner design, which, like the original, sounds different depending which side is up. This info is from a recent issue of HIFICRITIC in which they did an extensive survey of Linn upgrades. I recently bought a used Linn and am a VPI dealer so I am familiar with both tables. Look at the forums on the HIFICRITIC web site for extensive discussions of Linn.
brf
1,715 posts
 
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.
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