Older/newer Ittok LVII

[Mathewf]

Hi.
I'm looking to upgrade the Basik tonearm on my LP12 to the Ittok. Forums talk about the 'earlier' and the 'later' (and better) version of the LVII but I haven't read anything that indicates when 'later' actually started. Presumably there's a serial number cutoff? Anyone know it?

Thanks in advance.

[HBerg]

Here you are.

Regards
Hallgrim

Ittok LVIII/2 introduced. 1991 0001
Armrest replaced with new integral
armrest. Headshell strengthened.
now similar to Ekos.
Discontinued Sept 93

Ittok LVIII introduced.
Screws in armtube replaced
by glue. Jan 1989 31,300

Headshell drilled for Troika Sept 1986 23,000
third mount

Armtube material change 1986 20,000

Bearing shafts material change 1983 12,000

Main pillar diameter
increased from 20 mm to 25 mm 1980 3,000

Ittok LVII Introduced - 1979

[Mathewf]

Thanks hallgrim, I think that's as comprehensive a change list as I could have hoped for. Would you have an opinion on which update to the LVII made the all important difference transforming into the 'later' version?

[HBerg]

I would think maybe the version with the change in armtube material made an improvement. And of course the LVIII should be an substantial improvement. But they are hard to find I guess. Even harder to find is the LVIII/2, they are close to the Ekos 1 performance I have been told.

I have owned two Ittok's of early '80's vintage. Good arms but no match for a well functioning Ekos 1 imo.

Others may know more of these changes.

[What You See and Hear Expert Linn Retailer]

(2009-11-16 20:59)HBerg Wrote:  I would think maybe the version with the change in armtube material made an improvement. And of course the LVIII should be an substantial improvement. But they are hard to find I guess. Even harder to find is the LVIII/2, they are close to the Ekos 1 performance I have been told.

I have owned two Ittok's of early '80's vintage. Good arms but no match for a well functioning Ekos 1 imo.

Others may know more of these changes.

Hi

If you had a choice of Ittok's made over the production life and they all had perfect bearings and operation then the newer the better.

LV111's are rare because they were only made at during the Ittok's final years.
The LV111mk2 with its integral arm rest is even hader to come across.

I agree with HBerg.

I sold a couple of LV3 mk2's but the Ekos was much better still.An ittok in fine condition is still an excellent arm but it's no Ekos.

The ittok gets some "bigging up" on the forums by those who have a vested interest in offering "upgrades".I certainly applaud someone who can make an arm work that would otherwise have gone in the bin but it's still an Ittok
Rewiring an Ittok and filling the arm-tube with foam does not make it an Ekos.Damping the arm-tube kills the tune .
When we did our Ekos SE Launch at Beaconsfield David Williamson attended with a disasembled Arm.
He showed us an Ekos and Ekos SE arm-tube and tapped them on the edge of a table.
The Ekos SE tube had a louder and clearer "ring".It is made to ring more than the standard Ekos.He very aware of the lack of understanding of the LP12's design shown by others who make or modify parts for it.
Damping on the live side of the deck kills the tune and vitality.The last thing you should ever do on the live side of a Sondek is try to damp energy.
This applies to filling an arm-tube with foam and making a sub-chassis from damped or constrained materials or applying such materials to it.

If possible buy your Ittok or Ekos from your retailer.He will not want to sully his relationship with you by selling you a below par arm.Buy one on ebay and you are taking a risk,as always.

Regards.