I have had a Sondek LP12 since 1983 and I'm still very content. It has gone through all the available upgrades, but still employing the Ittok LVII tonearm and a new Akiva cartridge. This cartridge is obviously a beautiful sound and excellent match to the rest of the rig. It is made by Scan-tech (to Linn spec) who also makes the Lyra Helikon and has much of the same attributes, minus none. It will hold up with anything I've heard near its price range. If you were interested in this cartridge but the price is the sticking point, there is a strategy to make it affordable by finding an old Arkiv on A'gon or ebay you can trade it in for a eleven hundred dollar trade value toward the new cartridge. This will take a huge bite out of an expensive venture. With the trade value (presently about twice that of the Arkiv) on the Akiva, if it holds, you next cartridge will become even more affordable if you stick with Linn. I realize that is a long time off yet but something tells me Linn and records are going to be around, at least in my life for some time to come. Another huge upgrade that I should have recommended first is a "circus" bearing upgrade, if you do not already have it. Beyond the timbre and detail improvements, the fact that the surface noise will be cut in half from that of the previous bearing is a substantial improvement. Just a few ways to go in extracting a little more out of the grooves and from what you stated I don't see signs of discontent with your Linn deck. So, why fix what's not broke. There are probably about a zillion other ways to go and some might be more cost effective yet it means another deck and another set up and all that comes with it. Happy Listening in any case!
