I have an LP12 (early 199?s to Valhalla) currently fitted with a standard RB300 / Denon DL160.
Can anyone gve me a view as to whether changing the arm to an Ittok LVII would make significant sonic improvements? I have always slightly regretted buying a used Sondek without an Ittok/Ekos arm and the Linn dealer was not that keen on fitting the RB300.
I do think that the RB300 is a good arm and was a giant killer in some ways when introduced, but don't know how well suited it is to the LP12?
I remember being blown away as a student spending my grant (SHSHSH!) on a new Rega 3/RB300/A&RP77 (sadly stolen 10 years later) at the Audio Centre in Sheffield (1984) by a demo of an LP12/Ittok/Asak /£5k of Naim amps / Kans.
Other ideas have been looking at modified / Origin Live arms. But would those based on the Rega design still have fndamental compatibility issues with the LP12?
I suppose the basic questions are:
1. Is there any fundamental issue between the LP12/RB300 (+ OL variants)?
2. Would an Ittok sound better? (EKOS must be over budget??)
3. What other options should I consider - if I were spending £300-400 max (including used) arms?
P.S. -- spent most of the rest of my grant at the Record Collector in Broomhill, and in the Frog and Parrot!
All sensible help and feedback would be appreciated. (No manufacturer- bashing please!)
P.S. Apologies - have just seen a similar active thread! ..would still value any added thoughts from the perspective that I have given....
Can anyone gve me a view as to whether changing the arm to an Ittok LVII would make significant sonic improvements? I have always slightly regretted buying a used Sondek without an Ittok/Ekos arm and the Linn dealer was not that keen on fitting the RB300.
I do think that the RB300 is a good arm and was a giant killer in some ways when introduced, but don't know how well suited it is to the LP12?
I remember being blown away as a student spending my grant (SHSHSH!) on a new Rega 3/RB300/A&RP77 (sadly stolen 10 years later) at the Audio Centre in Sheffield (1984) by a demo of an LP12/Ittok/Asak /£5k of Naim amps / Kans.
Other ideas have been looking at modified / Origin Live arms. But would those based on the Rega design still have fndamental compatibility issues with the LP12?
I suppose the basic questions are:
1. Is there any fundamental issue between the LP12/RB300 (+ OL variants)?
2. Would an Ittok sound better? (EKOS must be over budget??)
3. What other options should I consider - if I were spending £300-400 max (including used) arms?
P.S. -- spent most of the rest of my grant at the Record Collector in Broomhill, and in the Frog and Parrot!
All sensible help and feedback would be appreciated. (No manufacturer- bashing please!)
P.S. Apologies - have just seen a similar active thread! ..would still value any added thoughts from the perspective that I have given....