Cartridge for my Linn Sondek LP12?

I don't know how much under $300 your budget is, but if it's close then also consider the Grado Platinum, which is a very significant leap up from the plastic-bodied Grados, while being essentially of the same design, so no physical penalties. A lively and very refined cartridge, glorious with all types of music IMO, when properly set up. The better Ortofons are also very good (better than the plastic-bodied Grados), very detailed and sparkling quality, the OM20 Super and up usually being blown out the door for well under $300 on Audiogon.

I used to run a Linn K9 on my Rega p3 and enjoyed it very much. I now use a GOldring 1042 and it is slightly better than the K9 in all aspects. Linn's Asak is a slightly modified 1022.

The 1042 is a terrible rip-off in the US, but if you buy direct from the UK (from Mantra Audio) then it is quite competitively priced, at around $250 including shipping. They will also take your old K9 as a trade in for a discount.

I can't say it's the best out there, but it is well reviewed, and sounds quite good to my ears.

I agree with the recommendation made above on the Goldring 1042 cartridge. Very satisfying piece. I will say I do not like the Akito arm, that never did it for me. I would recommend you spend no more than the Goldring for that arm. If you want to spend more money, I think you will get much much much better sound by buying a lower grade cartridge and using $600 to buy a used Ittok rather than a cartridge. May sound crazy to you but the Ittok with a low grade cartridge will sound better than your Akito with a mega buck cartridge. Do not forget to tune your Linn for best performance. I have owned many many linn tables and currently use an LP12 with Pink Linnk and Naim Aro as 1 of my two main tables. This is my opinion but an experienced one. You will probably get many more. Dont sweat it, pick a path that fits your budget and ideas and go with it. The odds of being able to audition your choices is slim to none. So go with what you think is best. Good luck on your search.

Thank you one and all...
I always suyspected the arm was less than stellar.
I may keep an eye open for a good deal on a used arm as well as cartfidge.

The Akito is a fairly good arm, although an Ittok is better still, and a better arm with a cheaper cartridge will outperform a better cartridge in a less good arm. I remember being surprised at how much better the Akito was than my Basik Plus, and again at how much better the Ittok was than the Akito (significantly!).

Cartridges--the AT 440 ML is terrific--sounds a lot like a smoother K9, and is only $99 or so from Needle Doctor and others. The Linn Adikt is also terrific, although I think it is $350--above your budget.

Best,

Bob