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2017 may be the year for a new cartridge for my LP12

I've had my current cartridge, a Linn  Arkiv B, for somewhere around 15 years. I think it's finally due for retirement. Soliciting ideas for a replacement cartridge. The rest of my vinyl front end is  a Linn  LP12, Lingo power supply, Ekos II arm with a Kore subchasis. For the rest of my system, see my profile.

My last cartridge was a Troika, and while I know people extol their Troikas, I preferred the Arkiv B over the Troika (but the Troika was a beautiful red). I suppose a Kandid is an obvious choice; what else should I consider? Thanks all!
128x128zavato
mgreen27
147 posts
 

"what else should I consider?"

Shelter, Dynavector, Lyra

daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,948 posts
 
I am in the same situation in regards to looking for a new cartridge in 2017. I am considering the Benz LPS MR, an excellent cartridge, the Lyra line, the new MSL's...although these are very hard to source, and possibly a ZYX.

Budget considerations are the main issue along with compatibility to your tonearm and phono preamp. Zavato, in your case, you are probably less concerned about the phono preamp than I am. With the Ekos 2 arm, the Kandid is indeed the natural choice. ( It's made by Lyra). 

varyat's avatar
varyat
145 posts
 
If Kandid is a stretch, the Krystal is available from Linn and will  slot right into your current deck nicely. I personally favor the Dynavector's and the XX2 is hard to beat at that price point!
ATB,
Mark
whitestix
729 posts
 
The Dynavector 20X2 is a fabulous cartridge if it is compatible with your tone arm.  

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