Yes it does @Dan_M , but that’s totally ok, your posts are very much appreciated and the big win of these recent posts in my opinion is noting there are different ears and preferences.
The beauty of the LP12 platform is the infinite number of variations that can be achieved to meet one’s needs. Let’s just keep an open mind that there are more opinions and more ways.
So look, this is where I am going if possible:
Klimax!
But in meantime Rad 1 or 2. Keel, Ekos SE. The Ekos 2 is a huge improvement on Akito which was upgraded by AO and cart makes huge difference.
It will probably all be done at separate times. This year a Radikal will be done of some sorts. I would love Radikal Klimax 2, but a Radikal 1 Akurate is more likely!
I do agree that the Radikal is a massive upgrade.
After Radikal would go Keel. And maybe that will be it. The Ekos 2 makes me happy. Glad I got it done.
I looked at these a while ago and they produce interesting kit. The thing that puts me off is that it’s not Linn and would prefer my LP12 all Linn.
Not to say the kit isn’t superb. Was looking at turntable shell on sale on eBay which has Vinyl Passion subchassis and Radikal 1. Only thing that interests me on that turntable is Radikal 1.
Strangely I was just checking my dealer’s second hand sales list and he is selling a Naim Aro tonearm and a Linn Keel Aro. They have been on sale since August so not selling quickly which is surprising.
If I may @Dan_M first of all you already have really nice bits of kit and a great LP12.
Then, from recent forum posts, Radikal 2 appears to be as much an upgrade over Radikal 1 as that was over anything else. So you may aspire to that instead of upgrading other things again like your current Ekos 2 and lovely Dynavector cart that you do enjoy now, or going Keel.
The route there could also be to either find a used Akurate Radikal 1 (about the same price of a new Lingo 4) or Klimax Radikal 1 (priced new Lingo 4 plus Karousel) and have some time to save for the £1750 I believe needed to upgrade from Radikal 1 to 2 later.
It could possibly bring more satisfaction to you to focus on power supply first and only, like I’m upgrading my Majik/Cirkus/Ittok from Hercules to Radikal 1 before anything else. Just a thought.
I think sometimes with upgrades if something comes up as a good deal you take it. Whilst considering the overall aim of the LP12.
I have been wanting a Radikal for years and thought I would get it done before the change of tonearm and cart.
The other thing is used turntables come up with everything on them that I want for sometimes better prices.
So I wouldn’t rule out buying a used LP12 at Klimax level. And then selling my existing turntable on.
For instance there’s a nice black one on eBay UK with Ekos SE, Keel, Radikal (K), Karousel, Urika. It looks mint. All it would need is Rad 2 upgrade and cart. And then it’s top of the range Klimax.
Strange, I was just browsing the net on the same subject for no other reason than idle curiosity as I have heard so much about the arm, to my surprise there were quite a few for sale, some as individual arms, some with LP12 arm boards and even a complete TT package.
I think that they’re the dogs’ doohdahs, so take the chance if you’re interested. There aren’t very many out there.
Linn were apparently very reluctant to make the Keel for ARO, but gave in to pressure from Peter Swain of Cymbiosis and Ray Horn of Grahams (Islington).
It surely helped that Cymbiosis was willing to invest quite a chunk of money to take on considerable stock, basically making it a risk-free on demand not-so-custom order (slightly reprogram one run of the CNC machine to known dimensions) for Linn.
Peter obviously still has (or had) a few Keel/As, as he sold me one a few months ago, and drove to my home in Brighton to set it all up. Great service!
That may then be the hiccup in an otherwise cunning plan.
I have heard various estimates between 1,400 and 1,600. Only one man at the Naim Factory made them - known, I think, as Clyde (or Clive) the ARO guy.
There is so much about these TA’s on this thread that I was curious to find out what it was about, seeing a good few advertised for sale was a surprise, but I suppose that this is just a natural turnover of people looking to sell and people looking to buy.
The guy will do part exchange. LP12 stuff is hot!
Very much a niche product of its time to compete directly with the Linn Ittok.
Entirely different operating principle.
I think dealers are struggling to sell stuff on so they will part exchange stuff. I had no problem part exchanging my Akito for good money. If I upgrade LP12 used for used I reckon a good deal can be negotiated here in UK. Business is business. Better to do something than nothing.
Excuse my ignorance but how does the ARO and Ittok differ, could you elaborate please.
