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Help ! Best MC cartridge for Linn LP12?

I have a LP12 with new EkosSE arm with Skale weight. The TT has Keel chassis, Radikal power, AQ Leopard cable. I use a Krystal MC now. I'm asking what cartridges mate best with my setup from a compliance standpoint- weight mount, suspension table etc.  From that list I'll try narrow down to good selections that mate to my phono/pre. Hopefully I will have a few that I can choose from to suit my listening tastes, knowing that compatibility isn't coloring what I hear. My budget limit is $10k. I have some thoughts already, but don't want to bias comments by naming them. So please help me to narrow my options down to the best candidates. 
papafrgog
varyat's avatar
varyat
145 posts
 
Well, the Kandid would be the logical choice . You did not mention which phono pre you are using? If you already have the Radikal, the Urika would provide you with a fully integrated SE deck. The synergy with the Urika and the Kandid allows them to punch way above their price point,imo.
I run two LP12's similar to your spec however with Naim Aro arms. One deck has the Kandid/Urika and the other has a DV Xv1-s/Whest Titan Pro. They both are very engaging and musical.
There are some other things to consider before spending 10K on a new cartridge imo- PM me if you are interested in a dialogue ...
ATB,
Mark
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,838 posts
 
There are a couple of great cartridges that come to mind with that budget. It will depend on how much output your phono stage is comfortable with...if it can sustain very low output, then the new Etna SL and the new Proteus with Diamond cantilever come to mind. If higher output is required, then look at the regular Lyra Etna or maybe one of the higher output Koetsu's. 
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

''Best cart for a turntablé'' make no sense. The question should be

the best cart for x tonearm and y phono-pre.

clearthink
1,421 posts
 

''Best cart for a turntablé'' make no sense. The question should be the best cart for x tonearm and y phono-pre."

This is correct the problem here is that there are now many newcomers to the world of vinyl used in Music Reproduction Systems and they don't understand the intricacies of the interactions among the various component parts used in vinyl playback. More and more I see comments here that reveal the level of ignorance and while some here are willing to learn there are others that seem to be a hopeless case especially the ones who use the wrong terms yet insist that they know what they are talking about but thank you nandric for correcting this one misconception!


papafrgog OP
101 posts
 
Thanks. I have considered scrapping the LP12 and moving on. I drank the Linn Kool Aid and I'm still trying to improve it. I hate losing money on the rig. 
For you other guys, maybe I didn't phrase my question perfectly enough for you. The first thing I mentioned was the arm and  I know that's what the cartridge needs to mate with. I listed the rest of the table because I knew other Linn owners would say first upgrade other parts of the TT before spending $ on a new cartridge. So with that clarified, do you have a thought on cartridge or was this just a poke at my poor grammar?
i have an Aesthetix Janus Eclipse pre w phono and the regular Etna is a better match. 
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