I recently replaced my Linn Akito Mk1 with a Linn Ittok LV II.
The setup went smoothly overall, but I made a mistake while adjusting the VTA.
I parked the tonearm in the arm rest clip, which was fixed in place, and then started raising the tonearm. I remember thinking that it felt surprisingly stiff.
Then I realized my mistake. Unlike the Akito, where the arm rest moves together with the tonearm, on the Ittok the arm rest clip is a separate part. I should have loosened the small screw on the arm rest clip before adjusting the tonearm height.
My question is: could I have damaged the bearings by doing this? I didnāt use excessive force, but the tonearm was being held by the fixed arm rest while I was adjusting its height.
I think the Ittok is a pretty robust arm despite what some may say. Doesnāt sound like what you have done should damage the bearings but if you remove the arm and do the swing test, that should give you a good indication of the bearing state. How many swings is good? Iām sure someone will provide this info. I would guess anything north of 25 should be ok but Iām just guessing.
Not sure if itās a definitive test but you can check the vertical bearings yourself by setting the arm to balance horizontally and very gently tapping the headshell. Carefully watch the motion and it should be smooth up and down. Seem to recall my dealer had a tiny plastic counter he could drop on top. I think he did this to demonstrate that my Akito vertical bearings had gone, but it was a long time ago now.
Obviously, you need to take care of the stylus during this process.
As I see it you have a few options. Firstly I would give Linn a ring or email them and ask their thoughts and take it from there. Other than that just use it and assume no damage if it sounds OK. Or else just take it to a Linn dealer and get it properly checked out, which may involve it being returned to the factory.
I understand exactly how you feel. If it were me I would talk to Linn first before doing anything else. That seems to me to be the most sensible way forward.
Jonny7, who knows the mechanics of Linn tonearms better than just about anyone, once said, āBefore the bearings get damaged, the arm tube will bend.ā He was referring to mounting a cartridge with the tonearm still installed, but I donāt think the forces involved are all that different. So no, just sit back, relax, and enjoy your music.
Agree. Linn went over the top regarding the bearings when the Ittok first came out (āDonāt transport it by airliner at 30,000ftā, āDonāt mount the cartridge with the arm installedā, āTake of the counterweight before you even think about moving the turntableā, etc, etc).
I remember reading that back in the late 80ās when Linn was taking about how important your dealer was. Only a single pair of speakers in the room, removing the tonearm from the turntable for cartridge switch; there were a few more too but Iāve forgotten them
My LVII sounded as rough as the proverbial when the bearings went. No rhyme or reason. LInn very kindly offered Ā£250 off a replacement, but I succumbed to the wily charms of the Aroā¦ back in the nineties.
