This cropped photo of Mrs QS’s Linn emphasises (I think) what a good looking arm the Ittok is.
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I agree, only reason I will change mine is if it fails beyond repair.
Only plan to upgrade PS to radikal and a new cartridge then I am done, save as wear and tear.
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Ittok is a great arm I had one before Ekos.
I’m surprised with all the support for it that most pictures are showing it with an aftermarket counterweight 
I’m of the same mind. My "retirement " upgrades were done in 2020 (I actually retired in 2023), and for the use that the deck gets, it is quite sufficient.
Although, I would like a Clearaudio Master Innovation…
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As usual, reading threads here generates bad thoughts. Although I have no intention of upgrading my LP12, it occurs to me (I suspect via subliminal means - Do it!!!) that a used Radikal 1 and Urika 1 are within only a few quid cost if I sold my Lingo 4 and Supercap/Prefix. On top of that, replacing my K17D3 like for like, is about the same cost as a used Kandid. The BIG question would be how a Urika 1 would perform against the compelling and unique sound signature of a Supercap powered Prefix? And also, a Kandid on an Ittok might be a mullet?
Oh well! I’m sure there are some opinions out there and I have great self control. There is absolutely no chance that this might happen 
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Yes. There’s no Ai in Linn. Though there is in NAim!
Having spent a wonderful day with Peter at Cymbiosis, I have returned home with some improvements to my deck which, even in the first hour, are showing themselves very worthy upgrades indeed.
I’ve gone from
ARad2 > KRad2
Stageline N > Urika
AT VMN60SLC Trigby > Kandid.
Each part was demo’d to me with great knowledge, preparation and patience, several times over just so that i could be sure of my choices. It is to his credit that Peter is happy to have people in his workshop explaining every move he makes. Shout out to Wayne also for keeping me topped up with coffee!
I think this deck will do nicely now. The Naim electronics are nicely sorted, so I feel that I only need to replace consumable parts and anything that breaks beyond repair (yes, you CDS2). Right, I’m off to play more music.
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Congratulations on your LP12 upgrades. You now have same spec as me!
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Thank you @Dan_M, and we both know what a fine deck we have. It’s a privilege to own it.
Good to see you fighting your fight Dan. Cheering for you from the stands.
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Originally purchased in 1996, Cherry Plinth, Ekos2 and baseboard remain.
Changes over the years :
Valhalla > Lingo2 > Lingo4
Bearing > Karousel
Klyde > Arkiv > Akiva > Kandid
Kore / Radikal maybe later this year, but no rush as enjoy as it is, tried to replace Akiva with Krystal to save £, but that didn’t work! So Kandid it was.
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Nice LP12 and Selekt.
DG…
I’m interested in a Krystal next time. Why did it not work? Feedback would be helpful, cheers.
Hope you don’t mind me butting in here, but I just had a 5-way shootout of cartridges at Cymbiosis yesterday, which included both the Krystal and the Kandid.
I was surprised by how much I liked the Krystal, but once I heard the Kandid it was game over. The Kandid does everything the Krystal does, and in spades. It also has more control of the music, presenting it with more authority and precision. The bottom line is that the Kandid is simply a far better cartridge and so it should be at it’s price.
Try and get an A/B comparison at your dealer and then you will know. The Kandid will sell itself!
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I heard Cymbiosis has a couple of great offers on Kandid just now.
If still there.
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Thank you for that, very interesting. I shall definitely not be having a demo of a Kandid. ( I value my marriage too much 
. I’m currently on my second Hana SL, but having a think what to do next. Looking for something with a bit of bottom end but not too analytical.
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Krystal works really well in an Aro IMO. It’s definitely not as good as a Kandid, but price difference reflects that. My Krystal died in a rogue cleaner dusting attack and I chose a DV TKR to replace it. I’m very happy, but I think the Aro was designed for and really loves a 9gram, 3 point fixing cartridge. I’d have it top of my list with your budget in mind.
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Kandid deals do come up. I paid £1400 for mine with 50 hours use. No problems with it being used. So paid 1/3 of list price.
Deals on carts come up all the time. Many dealers have lightly used carts and you can catch a deal that way.
It’s a leap of faith to buy used carts. I have bought some used carts before Kandid and have not been disappointed.
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Hi,
I’d been through two Arkiv carts, then Akiva, which back in the day was their top MC carts.
I initially thought I’d save some cash by moving to the Krystal since their range had moved upmarket price wise quite a bit, so at Cymbiosis I did the demo of Krystal v Kandid while the Karousel was fitted.
The Krystal was good, but just lacking something v my worn Akiva, switch to Kandid back came the soundstage of the Akiva and more. A big difference and so it should be for the price, but increased trade in allowance helped somewhat, to me it was worth the extra expense.
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