Linn Basik LV V Tonearm with Linn Headshell (good as new)

Presenting a terrific Linn Basik LV V Tonearm for sale. This arm was carefully taken out of a Linn Sondek LP12 Turntable, which was purchased new by the original owner in UK. I purchased this tonearm set from him for 228 pounds including shipping (52 pounds first class with insurance) to India, from ebay.co.uk

I planned to use this arm for a Thorens TD124 project which I was considering getting involved with, but shelved the idea as I had to divert the funds elsewhere.

The tonearm comes complete with its original lift and anti-skate mechanism, the arm base and counter weight and original LINN cable with gold plated RCA connectors and earthing wire. The tonearm has the original LINN detachable pressed alloy headshell and also features overhang, lateral angle and height adjustment.

Price expected is Rs.15,500/-. Shall ship free of cost to the buyer. The tonearm does not come with a cartridge. All regular cartridge models will fit this headshell.

Here are some pictures for your reference. Kindly note that the tonearm, cable and headshell are spot-less (the reflection of my camera's flash was caused a few streaks here and there). The arm is as good as NEW.

If it would have been the full LP12, I would have bought it.

Tonearm itself is a superb product for someone needing it.

length of tonearm?? 9''/12"??

Here are some specs:

Effective mass: 13.5g
Effective length: 229mm
Overhang: 18mm
Cartridge offset angle: 24 degrees
Mounting distance: 211mm

Not exactly sure about the reference points for the effective length measurement. I'll check it and post by evening. I assume it should be from the tonearm pivot to the forward edge of the headshell.

Hello,

Can it be mounted on a Project Debut III TT?

Regards,
Venu

Honestly, I assume you should be able to, as things like the tonearm height, overhang, etc are adjustable. However, I have never used Project turntables before and am not sure about the tonearm mount. Perhaps our knowledgeable forum members will be in a better position to comment. My 2 cents would be that this is an "S" arm, which according to Technics, is preferred to the straight arm as far as tracking is concerned (lower tracking error). Also, pundits say that vinyl lasts longer if played with an "S" arm. Not sure about this logic though!!

Venu,

Linn tonearms follow the same mounting specs as Project. Should fit.

Regards

Thought I'll address some questions I received regarding the tone arm for all to see. I'm not too much of an expert, however I'll attempt to answer them to the best of my ability. Forum members, please chip in with your valuable comments and suggestions:

1) Custom tonearms are for use with turntable decks like Garrard 301, 401, etc. I have a turntable which has a built in arm. There is no provision to fit an additional tonearm.

Ans-> This is a good question. Most of us (more than 98%) use turntables which have built in OEM tonearms that are quite good. We are used to seeing our fellow forum members with Garrard 301s, 401s, Thorens 124s, etc use these tone arms. However, even if you have a turntable with an inbuilt OEM tonearm, you can also add on an extra one. You'd need a Tonearm stand which is also called Tonearm Block (can be custom built) and ofcourse, a tonearm. Also if your amplfier has only 1 pair of phono input connectors, you'll have to either swap connectors when you want to use each tonearm or have a separate phonostage for the additional tonearm.

check this out: http://i51.tinypic.com/behfs1.jpg This image illustrates how an additional tonearm can be used with an existing turntable with built-in OEM tonearm. Our forum member flanker.r had an additional tonearm fitted to his Technics SL1300 MK2 turntable (if my memory serves me right).

2) Why do I need an additional tonearm when I already have one?

Ans-> Adding an additional tonearm has its advantages. Firstly, it allows you to use different cartridges on the same rig without having to switch between headshells and tonearm settings. I've known people who use specific cartridges for listening to specific genres of music. Also, for those who are into the 78rpm format, you could have separate tonearms with cartridges dedicated to the 78rpm and microgroove formats. Also, it allows for use with multiple phonostages. The other aspect is that while included OEM tonearms are generally basic (to keep the overall cost of the turntable within limits), these custom tonearms are high precision instruments designed to bring out the very best in your vinyl.

3) What are the advantages of S-shaped tonearms over Straight tonearms?

Ans-> Honestly, there are lot of conflicting opnions on this. The use of the S arm has been pioneered and promoted by Technics and has been one of their most successful designs. Vintage Technics literature will relate to the following:

a) simple logic (and physics) would suggest that "the longer the tonearm, the better the performance". By performance, they were referring to accomodating of inner-groove tracking.
b) a S arm is in-effect a longer straight arm bent in the shape of an S. This was to make the tonearm assembly more compact without compromising on the benefits to be accrued with longer tone arms
c) the stylus-groove impact (especiallyo on the inner grooves) are much high for straight arms, while S-arms have a more ideal angle of tangential contact and hence, the overall stress on the inner grooves is much less. Hence, vinyl played using S-arms are less prone to groove damage. Also because of this, the stylus wear is also supposed to be less for S-tonearms.

4) What is the advantage of having a detatchable headshell?

Ans-> this is a simple one, it is easy to change the cartridge without having to pull out the entire tonearm assembly. Also, if you have multiple headshells with you, a swap becomes quite simple

5) What was the logic of the pricing? Why are you selling this if its so good?

Ans-> Paid 176 british pound sterling for the arm + a further 52 pound sterling for shipping and insurance. Never used the arm myself. It has been with me for hardly a month. Not attempting to profit from the sale, but have decided against investing another Rs.50,000 on a Thorens TD124 as I've set my priorities in getting myself some good speakers. These tonearms are not available in India and are much more expensive to procure from abroad. Hence, just trying to recover atleast 75-80% of what I spent on it in terms of Indian rupees. It would be nice for someone to take this tonearm on and make good use of it.

6) How will you ship it? Tonearms are very delicate.

Ans-> I've retained the original packing which came from the UK. The arm is heavily wrapped in bubble plastic, placed in thermocol packing and boxed. The box used is atleast 5 times the size of the tonearm. Packaging will be done properly so as to ensure that the tonearm reaches in perfect condition

7) Why no cartridge is included?

Ans-> Again, simple answer. Tonearms are generally sold without cartridges. The user is allowed the option to use a cartridge of his/her choice.

Why not a bit of DIY touch to your existing rig?

Please feel free to let me know if you require any further information or more pictures. Keep the PMs coming.

Many thanks!!



Edit (Added additional reading)

http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/tonearm.html

http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/tonearm2.html

Here is the datasheet for your reference. Got this from vinylengine. Thanks

Hi,




That is way too much for a TD124. In my opinion.

At these prices I think I can realise my dream of buying an EMT .

Regards
Rajiv