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Linn Basik LVX vs. Rega RB 303

Hi, Folks,
I have a very old Linn Basik LVX on my SOTA Sapphire. When I say "very old," I mean that I bought it used from the dealer back in 1986! :-)
I was having hum/buzz issues on my analogue side, and finally isolated it down to the turntable. It turned out to be a shorted tonearm ground wire along with some mechanical elements of the arm that needed tightening. All this was done by Mike at Austin Stereo, a great, local repair shop.
Now the hum is gone and the arm is sounding fine but the whole exercise has me wondering whether I might want to upgrade the old arm. My budget is modest so the Rega RB 303 at $600 sounds about right. By the way, my cart is an Ortofon 2M Blue.
Would this be a worthwhile (i.e., discernible) step up?
Thanks for your opinions!
rebbi
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Viridian:
I've thought of keeping my eyes open for a used Ittok. The advantage would be that I already have a Linn arm board on the SOTA Sapphire so I save the cost of a new arm board from SOTA if I stick with a Linn arm.

Yogiboy:
Just curiosity. I've heard that the Basik LVX is a pretty crappy arm but it's all I've ever owned. Just wondering if the grass is greener on the Rega side.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,675 posts
 
Rebbi:
You said you liked the LVX,that is why I said why bother.
If you want to get a Rega go ahead with it but make sure it is a good match with your cartridge otherwise it might not be worth your trouble .
polk432
1,142 posts
 
The LVX is not a bad arm, but I'd save up for the Ittock LVII. I'm on my 3rd LP12 and shortly owned a Rega RP3 w/RB303.I'd never buy another one. It's ok for a second system but can't compare to the LP12. There will be more of a difference between the LVX and the Ittock than going from Ittock to Ekos.Best of luck.
wolf_garcia
6,696 posts
 
You can still find a decent Akito out there. I love mine.
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
For the money, I'd look at a Jelco SA-750E. SA-750D if you don't have the room for the longer "E" version. It's a significant step up from either a RBwhatever of any of the Linn arms.
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