Re: Any opinions on the Linn Akiva cartridge?

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In Reply to: Any opinions on the Linn Akiva cartridge? posted by Twistnshout on July 15, 2006 at 18:19:06:

I'm in a similar situation. I have an Arkiv B (on an Ekos) that is near the end of it's life. Having heard the Akiva, I was very impressed. It was very quiet. Although neutral, it revealed lots of subtle detail that I had not heard before. This was good, not etched sounding, but amazingly natural. Art Dudley loved it (see the Stereophile review), and I have found that I usually agree with his ear. On the other hand, I have heard complaints about tracking from one dealer. My experience with the Arkiv B (which is very similar) is that set up is very critical, and even a minor problem can make the sound hard and edgy. For example, if the arm cable is allowed to touch the platform that the LP12 is resting on, it can really mess up the sound (this is AFTER it leaves the LP12, of course). Or, if the cartridge bolts aren't super tight, the sound degrades. The problem is that the Arkiv and Akiva have very stiff cantalevers that require optimum setup to work properly. So, with such care required, I tend to discount the critics as having poor setup skills.
This brings me to your dealer. If you are in the US (as I am), be wary of your dealer's setup skills. I have yet to meet a dealer in the US who is willing to take the time to set up an LP12 properly. I learned from visits to dealers in the UK, who seem to be much better trained and more willing to take the time to get it right. I strongly urge you to learn to do it yourself, if you don't already. It is not hard, but takes a little patience and some careful listening.
Enjoy!
Jim E

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Any opinions on the Linn Akiva cartridge? - Twistnshout 18:19:06 07/15/06 (3)

Re: Any opinions on the Linn Akiva cartridge? - Jim E 19:05:53 07/15/06 (2)

Re: Any opinions on the Linn Akiva cartridge? - Chas_Man 11:22:35 07/16/06 (0)

Thanks Jim. - Twistnshout 05:22:15 07/16/06 (0)

Follow Ups

Re: Any opinions on the Linn Akiva cartridge? - Jim E 19:05:53 07/15/06 (2)

Re: Any opinions on the Linn Akiva cartridge? - Chas_Man 11:22:35 07/16/06 (0)

Thanks Jim. - Twistnshout 05:22:15 07/16/06 (0)

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