Thought I’d give an update to my own saga. Not solved yet, but underway, and obviously the first option - look into another cart - is a practical step to try and restore balance.
Thanks to @Fatcat suggesting the Denon DL103 a perspective opened on the different sound profile of elliptical styli vs. the MicroLinear/MicroRidge styli (different again from FineLines).
So after much research I ordered the elliptical EN version from the new AT33x series. A month later nothing had showed up yet and I cancelled the order. In the meantime I found also Ortofon had launched a new MC series and I have ordered the elliptical MC X20, with rave reviews.
Previously I had been happy with the high output MC-3 Turbo in different tonearms, but it was too light for the Ittok. The X20 had escaped my attention because I found the Rondo mellow and the Quintet bland, and was really surprised when I heard several of the new MC X carts.
Cart sorted for now I think, will arrive shortly, but there was another imbalance after changing to LOMC. The brightly lit window changed somewhat into still dissecting the tune for my taste, and still being very/too clear. However with that I also found the midrange somewhat muffled.
Preliminary diagnosis is that the Prefix and the higher end cart, together with the Radikal, are now showing the limitations of the Majik subchassis. Previously Majik/Radikal was totally fine with a lower end MM/HOMC via the phono stage of the XS3, even after the upgrade from Jelco to Ittok. So, I’ve also ordered a Kore to upgrade, which will take some time to arrive.
As mentioned in my first post, although I anticipated some hiccups, it still surprised me to what extent going from MM via XS3 to LOMC via Prefix has been a major change. This is the second time that aligning the modular LP12 to my preferences and current system can only be done with patience and a good dealer (and sometimes the idea that “I should have just bought a Rega again”). But when it’s right again it seems worth it. Will include pics when all is ready.
I love the look of that Holbo - I don’t think I’ve ever seen one before. It seems combine visual elements of the old Rega Planar 3 with Well Tempered, and even a bit of Brinkmann. How does the arm bearing work? Does it use an air pump?
@Richard.Dane Richard, the arm bearing, or carrier, does use air supply from an extremely quiet pump. This pump also supplies air to the platter as well. You cannot turn the platter unless the air pump is running. It really is a very simple(not to take away from the engineering that went into the design etc.)design, fairly easy to set up, and it all stays, no fussing around once set. Most linear trackers look like oil rigs, or similar, I find the overall look and design to be very nice.
I have owned my Holbo, which is a Mk1, since 2018, and I have had no problems with it since taking delivery of it. I had looked at Brinkmann, and Bergmann too, but both were considerably more money and to my ears, sounded no better than the Holbo.
For some closure here, I was so happy when I heard my LP12 at the dealer that I forgot to take pictures…Balanced out again, at a level higher than before that is, so all good.
I deduct that Kore over Majik is necessary once you get at the Prefix level of phono stage, it certainly straightened things out .
And the Ortofon MC X20 is really a gem of a cartridge. I also deduct that Microridge/Microline styli have a specific sound signature that doesn’t seem to appeal to my ears.
Some small experiments left here at home, like trying various way to use the Flatcap on the Prefix and the XS3, I now have all the cables. Also I took home a black Collaro mat.
In any case, the boogie is back, articulation has improved, wrong brightness and dissection now gone. Overall it’s a more natural fit-and-forget dynamic analogue sound.
I imagine that your ears have been on a roller coaster ride
BW
R
I have wanted a Phonosophie P3 with a Naim Aro Tonearm (my current P3 has the Thorens TP90S) for a very long time. So when I finally found one (for a very modest price) I made myself a late birthday present. It took a while to set up. The previous owner had apparently put quite a strain on the leaf springs, and in any case, the sub-chassis did not swing as nicely as it should have. The Phonosophie service advised me to simply turn the leaf springs around, and after a few hours of work and meticulous adjustment with a spirit level, I am now looking forward to listening to my favourite records again.
Nothing new to report here other than I felt compelled to say that I hadn’t spun my first pressing of The Wall since upgrading the LP12 and adding the sub. Gosh, this is a fabulous recording and pressing, so dynamic, detailed and punchy tight slam - very quite too, perfect for the massive swings between the quiet sections and the full on rock parts. A real delight to have a classic like this with a nice setup.
Very nice looking Sophie and Aro, I like it! Enjoy!
Wow! That’s beautiful.
The Wall was the very first record I purchased in 1982 age 13 it’s had a lot of play time but is still sounding very good. Mines not a first pressing but I’ve been casually looking hoping to find one checking when I see them in car boot sales and record fairs just in case, maybe I’ll get lucky this year 
Thank you. I had not thought of the turntable as a female being before, but it fits wonderfully with her beautiful voice.
Thank you. And it sounds beautiful, too.
SW1X LPU II Special phono pre
Just finished the wood stain on the base to match the face and changed the feet with old Naim feet I had lying around. The softer rubber is far more effective for isolation than modern hard rubber feet that I’ve found on other components. Partnered with the brass and panzerholz wood it’s the best isolation feet I’ve put together.
New year, new angle.
Hoping to get a new cartridge soon, but also considering a retip of the Benz Ruby 2, as it still sounds marvelous.
The Thorens TD 124 II continues to amaze.
Lovely, I am slightly envious
Lovely, I am extremely envious.
Lovely, i want it! 