Linn Forums

Wayne · 2012-01-28, 10:58

Just had a Benz Ace SL fitted to LP12/Ittok LV11.
My initial thoughts, I am concerned the high range appears hard to listen to, to much congestion. Does anyone recognize this as a characteristic of a new Ace cartridge that has not done 40 hrs as yet, or should I consider the bios/tracking force.

What You See and Hear · (This post was last modified: 2012-01-28 15:50 by What You See and Hear.)

(2012-01-28 10:58)Wayne Wrote: Just had a Benz Ace SL fitted to LP12/Ittok LV11.
My initial thoughts, I am concerned the high range appears hard to listen to, to much congestion. Does anyone recognize this as a characteristic of a new Ace cartridge that has not done 40 hrs as yet, or should I consider the bios/tracking force.

Hi

You should take it up with your Linn Retailer. If he supplied and fitted a £500.00 plus cartridge he needs to make sure you are happy.

It appears that the Micro Ace has a damped plastic body in order for it to be used in a large variety of arms. This is the exact opposite ot the type of "rigid" design that works best in Linn Arm on an LP12. A "general purpose" cartridge with a soft and "lossy" body will never be as good as one that at least agrees with some of the parameters Linn would use to design a cartridge for their arm and turntable. Notwithstanding Linn's own cartridges more "rigid" products like the Dynavector 20X High or Low output or maybe another cartridge from Benz , like the Glider could be a better match for the Ittok.

Regards.

Wayne · 2012-01-28, 13:31

Colin
I guess thats what I get for asking the question.... Feel a bit foolish now.
Thank you for you reply Colin, I guess I will see what happens when its 40hrs in. Then if I am still not happy save up for a replacement..

HBerg · 2012-01-28, 20:16

(2012-01-28 10:58)Wayne Wrote: Just had a Benz Ace SL fitted to LP12/Ittok LV11.
My initial thoughts, I am concerned the high range appears hard to listen to, to much congestion. Does anyone recognize this as a characteristic of a new Ace cartridge that has not done 40 hrs as yet, or should I consider the bios/tracking force.

What tracking force do you use? Try 1.9 gram
What is the loading? Should be at least 120 ohm.

Never heard the Ace but several of the wood-bodies. Sounds very good in Ittok and Ekos arms right out of the box. Will improve after some hours. Most is done after 6-7 hours but also a little more improvement up to 30-40 hours.