Differential in sound quality between turntable and digital - Old Linn system

[BDD]

I’m running an active Linn system - Linn Karik with old Majik1, 2 x LK100s and pair of Keilidhs. Lovely, full, detailed sound with just the right amount of bass. I’ve also got a Linn Basik turntable with Akito arm on this system. Currently using an Audio Technica VM95EN cart. The turntable sound is quite disappointing - markedly less detailed than digital, but still retains quite a full sound - maybe slightly more so than the CD player. I appreciate that one needs to spend quite a bit on a turntable to equal digital but the difference is quite stark. Setup is all ok as far as I can see. Is it likely that I am missing something obvious or should I just manage my expectation with what is a budget end t/t?


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[Pigmy Pony]

Good morning Brian, The Linn t/t could probably be bettered without spending too much, or maybe you could try some other phono stages, which again may not cost the earth.

[BDD]

Good morning Brian, The Linn t/t could probably be bettered without spending too much, or maybe you could try some other phono stages, which again may not cost the earth.

Thanks PP - I’ll have a think about that.


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[walpurgis]

How old is the stylus? A bit of wear can make for a dull sound, won't do the records much good either.

[DiveDeepDog]

The Linn Basik was hardly a step up from Rega 3 at the time, Systemdeck iix/Manticore Mantra/Ariston RD 80 was more of a step towards the LP12 so there are alternatives.

Personally, the moment I heard a (Lenco) idler (I was pimping a Mantra) I knew nothing else would do, but the answer as always is try to hear alternatives for yourself, not so easy ATM...

[BDD]

How old is the stylus? A bit of wear can make for a dull sound, won't do the records much good either.

It’s brand new.


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[BDD]

The Linn Basik was hardly a step up from Rega 3 at the time, Systemdeck iix/Manticore Mantra/Ariston RD 80 was more of a step towards the LP12 so there are alternatives.

Personally, the moment I heard a (Lenco) idler (I was pimping a Mantra) I knew nothing else would do, but the answer as always is try to hear alternatives for yourself, not so easy ATM...

Sure. I looked at a couple of Aristons online too but difficult to try them.......my hearing is not good either so that is likely to be a contributory factor!


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[graham67]

To my ears, vinyl sounds a whole lot better than digital, but its taken a decent wedge to get there. And unlike digital which rewards some initial investment but quickly hits a ceiling, vinyl replay will always reward further upgrades, tinkering and expense....
As alluded to above, the type of deck has an enormous influence on the presentation. So as suggested listen to some decks to get a feel on what you like, belt drive, direct drive idler all sound different then there is suspended, solid and that is before you factor in arm, cart, phono stage....
All good fun but be prepared to take a while before you achieve sonic nirvana....

[BDD]

To my ears, vinyl sounds a whole lot better than digital, but its taken a decent wedge to get there. And unlike digital which rewards some initial investment but quickly hits a ceiling, vinyl replay will always reward further upgrades, tinkering and expense....
As alluded to above, the type of deck has an enormous influence on the presentation. So as suggested listen to some decks to get a feel on what you like, belt drive, direct drive idler all sound different then there is suspended, solid and that is before you factor in arm, cart, phono stage....
All good fun but be prepared to take a while before you achieve sonic nirvana....

That’s a good summary! I’ll think on.


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[Audio Al]

I’m running an active Linn system - Linn Karik with old Majik1, 2 x LK100s and pair of Keilidhs. Lovely, full, detailed sound with just the right amount of bass. I’ve also got a Linn Basik turntable with Akito arm on this system. Currently using an Audio Technica VM95EN cart. The turntable sound is quite disappointing - markedly less detailed than digital, but still retains quite a full sound - maybe slightly more so than the CD player. I appreciate that one needs to spend quite a bit on a turntable to equal digital but the difference is quite stark. Setup is all ok as far as I can see. Is it likely that I am missing something obvious or should I just manage my expectation with what is a budget end t/t?


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Hum , now that takes some thinking about very unusual for a well set up vinyl system to be that bad