What would you chose? VPI MKIII vs. Linn LP-12


Hi All,

Looking for some advice here. Which front end would you chose...VPI MKIII/Sumiko MMT/Grado Sonata or Linn LP12/Linn Ittok/Linn Karma? Either of these turntable combinations would be running through a MFA Magus. Thanks for you help.

JEMM
jemm
Dear Jemm: If you go for the VPI up-grade then you could consider a VPI tonearm.

here are some good options for a different tonearm:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1267456794&/Rega-RB700

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1267295574&/Signet-XK50

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1266720501&/Jelco-SA-750D

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1266519737&/Audio-Technica-ATP-12T

and for a new cartridge this one is very good:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ortofon-M20FL-Super-MM-cartridge-M-20-FL-Super-NOS_W0QQitemZ120492170569QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0de49d49#ht_2634wt_1165

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
Raul,

Thanks for you help with tonearm recommendations. The Audio Technica certainly looks interesting. Upgrading the VPI may be the best way for me to go.

Regards,

I had a VPI HW-19 Mk II with Rega RB-300 and still have a Linn LP-12 with Origin Live modded RB-250. The VPI seemed to have deeper bass but the Linn seemed to sound more up-beat with more pace. They're both good turntables but they do sound different. I preferred the Linn but I can see how others might go the other way.
To all Linn LP-12 owners
I decided to try adjusting the ant-skating less then the factory settings. Example my Arkiv Linn Cartridge is set at 1.75 grams tracking force. And now my anti-skating is set at 1.6 instead of 1.75 that Linn has recommended.
Put on a record that you're familiar with and try it.
I'm sure you'll be amazed after doing this!