I have an LP12/Ittok LVIII from 1992 which I had an original Trampolin added in 1996. I'm possibly looking to upgrade and was wondering as to the best option.
I've read the recent Cirkus Kit upgrade thread and found it interesting that the replies said this was the one to go for over the Lingo which had been first first thought. I heard a Lingo what seems like a decade ago and then was blown away then by the difference it made, and I know it has improved over the years.
If I could strech the funds available to the Keel would that be better, and is a Keel compatible with my current set-up or would it require more upgrades before I could go down that route.
Thanks in advacne for any comments.
PDK.
What cartridge are you using? Cartridge makes a huge difference. I have not heard an Akiva, but suspect it may be very good, and I am not sure how well a Koetsu Black (nice cartridge) will mate with an Ittok, if you are on a budget. The Lingo would be a good move, power supply makes a huge difference. Also not to be overlooked... what is your phono stage/ preamp Phono stage, step up tranny, and preamp are absolutely important. A poor link here will subdue anything upstream. Tubes rule....
The most cost-effective you can do IMO is to get the Cirkus-kit installed. If you decide to go for the Keel later you will need the Cirkus-bearing and new innerplatter that is a part of the kit.
Next is the Lingo2 and after that step you can go for the Keel if you want the best possible LP12.
Haven't heard the old Trampolin myself but if you should believe what people are telling the Trampolin2 is much better. I use the Trampolin 2 and like it.
BTW, the Cirkus came in 1993 from S/N 90582.
If your Ittok LVIII is bought in 1992 it may be the LVIII/2 model with integrated armrest (as in the Ekos). Then you are lucky with respect to buy a Keel. If you have an Ittok with separate armrest you have to drill a hole in the Keel for fastening the armrest and I suppose you don't want that too much.....
you have to drill a hole in the Keel for fastening the armrest and I suppose you don't want that too much.....
pdk, please listen to HB, his advice (not only this line) is good.
What cartridge are you using? Cartridge makes a huge difference. I have not heard an Akiva, but suspect it may be very good, and I am not sure how well a Koetsu Black (nice cartridge) will mate with an Ittok, if you are on a budget. The Lingo would be a good move, power supply makes a huge difference. Also not to be overlooked... what is your phono stage/ preamp Phono stage, step up tranny, and preamp are absolutely important. A poor link here will subdue anything upstream. Tubes rule....
I recently acquired a Koetsu Black and it works and sounds great on my Ittok, it is a cartridge thats sounds great in all areas with no obvious weaknesses. A very musical cartridge in my opinion.
PDK,
I think HBerg has given you the most complete answer to your question. As Chris H points out, everything in the chain makes a difference, but if it were my LP12 I would be looking to add the Cirkus first, then the Keel, then a Lingo. You will need the Cirkus bearing for the Keel anyway. You may be tempted to go for a Lingo before the Keel as it almost half the price, but you should really try and hear your options at a dealer.
Obviously a worn stylus/cartridge would need replacing anyway, but I would not be spending large sums on a cartridge until I had the fundamentals of the turntable as good as I could afford to get it.
In my opinion, the Trampolin 2 is a big improvement over the original and is a very cost effective upgrade.
Other than that, when was the LP12 last serviced? A good clean and reset is another very cost effective "upgrade".
'troll
Hi
I'm not agree, the Lingo (2 better) come before the Keel.
I compared a Klimax L12 with Lingo 1 against a Akurate Lp 12 (before Klimax) with Lingo 2, and the winner was Akurate with Lingo 2...
Hi,
at first I would go for a Cirkus.
IMO Keel has more improvement than Lingo against Valhalla, but it is also more expensive and the improvement maybe bigger with Lingo.
So it depends on the available money.
cheers
Chris H makes a good point about your equipment. If you are only intending to spend X £/$ or, err, euro's then you seriously need to look at your phono stage minimum before chucking it all at the deck. The best source will only hint at what it can do if the electronics is holding it back.
First of all thanks for the allcomments.
In my original posting I said I was possibly going to upgrade. This was dependant on persauding my wife that the LP12 needed to come downstairs and be permanently connected to the main system, rather just when she and my daughter go away to the in-laws for an evening.
As I'm sure you'll have guessed by now, this little plan didn't succeed. C'est la vie. I'll try again in a few years time.
It's is going in for a long overdue service. As 45's are not playing at the correct speed there's clearly something wrong. It would be such a shame if resolving that involved an upgrade
Thanks again.