which arm on an lp12...ittok or Alphason HR100mcs?

[karma67]

ive got upgrade fever again and have the chance to buy an HR100mcs,whats the general view on these arms compared to an Ittok which im currently using?
Is it a sideways move?
cheers :)

[YNWaN]

The Alphason does work on the LP12 so that bit isn't a problem. It is sort of a sideways move compared to an Ittok but that doesn't mean that you won't prefer it. The HR100S is a great arm (technically very sophisticated) and sought after so I would say it's worth a try whatever.

[karma67]

cheers for that,will there be any problems with the cable,i did try a mission 774 but that was a nightmare trying to dress the cable due to no 90 degree plug?

[YNWaN]

The cable dressing is likely to be a bit of a PITA I'm afraid, although it can be done. It partly depends on exactly what cabling it has fitted as there were a few different options.

[Ammonite Audio]

I have quite a few happy customers using the Jelco SA-750D on their LP12s. It's a reasonable match in terms of overall weight, and its effective mass means a good range of compatibility with cartridges old and new. Give a Jelco a helping hand with my improved mounting collar and a better headshell, and it's actually very good by any standard, let alone what might be expected given its relatively budget price. I am a closet fan of the Ittok, but I have to admit that the Jelco is a much more satisfying listen. I have never owned nor heard the Aphason, so cannot comment on that.

[karma67]

The cable dressing is likely to be a bit of a PITA I'm afraid, although it can be done. It partly depends on exactly what cabling it has fitted as there were a few different options.
that may be enough to put me off to be honest.

[YNWaN]

I've got one on a Pink Triangle and that has a very bouncy suspension, the arm cable dressing doesn't impede it.

[DAVEDWACK]

that may be enough to put me off to be honest.

For clarity......the cable is a straight through run without any other plug/socket arrangement other than the 2 phonos and which was re-wired internally by J7 some years ago using his internal cable but keeping the existing black braided, very flexible Incognito exterior sheath.

(YNWaN...this may or may not make the cable dressing a PITA depending on your level of expertise, I guess. It most certainly can be done, as you said, as many users will agree of course).

I offer the above information, since it is I who has the arm available.

Cheers....Dave

[YNWaN]

The problem regarding cable dressing for this arm and the LP12 is that the arm cable is not detachable and exits in line with the arm pillar. The LP12 rather assumes that the cable exits the side of the arm pillar (as it does on all Linn's own arms and this), this coupled with the separate cables arrangement of the Alphason can make it a bit fiddly to do. The usual thing is to cable-tie the cable back to the arm pillar so it effectively exits a bit higher and to the side. I write this is as someone who was Linn trained to set up the LP12 and have done so many, many times. I also own an HR-100S and have set that up. I wouldn't let the arm cable dressing put you off, similar issues exist with many arms on the LP12 - in terms of weight and geometry the Alphason is a good match and those are more essential issues.

This particular arm has been re-wired throughout and the Incognito cable sounds quite unlike the cable fitted to mine which is quite a thick black one (Van den Hul I think).