Linn Ekos2 v Naim Aro which one to keep

[darkmatter]

Interesting as I have both arms and two LP12s

Not easy to compare directly as the Aro has a DV20H the Ekos 2 an Arkiv B

Time to thin the herd so which one should I keep?

The Aro is about 23 years old in excellent condition SN 69xxx (late 1990)

The Ekos about 10 years old a Silver dot SN 93xx (2003)

Out of the two decks one is Cirkused the other not, one also has an Armageddon PSU

Taking both them to my dealer for feting / service prior to the sale of one

Question,

Should I keep the Aro and put it on the LP12 with Armageddon and Cirkus and sell the other non circus deck with the Ekos 2?

So which to keep?

LP12/Aro or LP12/Ekos 2

[mimoser]

listen and decide …
personally I would mount the arm I like more (looks, handling) on the cirkused deck and compare the results.
but then remember looks ain’t everything, we kept a TT2 and sold a pre-cirkus LP12, because of subtle audible differences …
;-))
Michael

[chris@panteg]

Take your time ! Some naim fans prefer a pre-cirkus with armageddon , so the Aro would be the natural choice, so you need to listen and compare as much as possible.

I used to have an Ekos1 with troika years ago , I did fancy getting an arkiv b but eventually sold my Linn.

[DSJR]

My tuppence-worth...

When my 'Linn-chip' was still firmly embedded where the sun don't shine and way before the Cirkus kit, I firmly preferred the Ekos II, the ARO with same cartridge sounding a bit messy and 'wayward,' to use hopeless words.. Some of this I put down to the exit cables Naim used, which I believe were French in origin - our Naimie Sales Director bought a drum or two and made interconnects out of it I remember...

The introduction of the Cirkus, together with other subtle LP12 improvements to plinth and the motor 'corner-bolt,' seemed to change things round a good bit I felt. The Ekos 2 sounding rather dark and more than a bit 'mechanical' to me and the ARO taking on a whole new and very positive life, very much suiting the revamped and far less fruity LP12 sonics. Despite the lack of overhang adjustment, we tried many different cartridges in the late-issue LP12 and ARO and most found great favour, although I personally don't rate the DV20 low or high output versions myself.

So, it's up to you! The ARO DEMANDS a current and full-spec LP12 to really shine, cartridges are easily changed by the user and I do feel that this combination is nearer to fit-and-forget for the end user. The Ekos ought to have its cartridges changed by a Linn dealer, who'll then tinker with the LP12 (at a price nowadays ) and charge you for the privilege.

Like I said, up to you

[YNWaN]

Hmm... I seem to remember the Ekos 2 coming out after the Cirkus upgrade - could be wrong though.

[chris@panteg]

Cirkus was introduced in 1993 I believe, not sure Ekos 2 ?

[DSJR]

Ooops, I meant the Ekos that didn't bind up its bearings after a year or so and was made of different components. At the end of my first association with Linn and just before the c1990 dealer 'purge,' Linn were replacing early sticky Ekos's with new ones I remember and I'm sure my memory hasn't totally failed on this?

I'm not thinking of the much later Ekos SE

[YNWaN]

As with all things Linn, there were a host of minor changes - there were about four, quick succession, step changes to the bearing before it was called the Cirkus!

[DSJR]

Mark, the Cirkus was an entire sub chassis, inner hub + bearing, new armboard and screws, springs, grommets and a belt. The main bearings had suffered a few years previously with inadequate hardening of the thrust plates and this upgrade effectively helped get rid of some out of warranty examples that would have worn into a nasty 'burned black' dimple on both the thrust plate and the spindle-tip, the black oil only delaying the inevitable for some.

Mind you, the mid 90's saw Linn altering everything they made (almost) on a batch by batch basis and I was witness to a number of changes made in 1995 to each successive batch of Kariks and Numeriks that came along (a pal had a Saturday job at one of Linn's then biggest dealers, and brought 'new' examples home regularly to inspect inside and audition. Seeing this for myself and hearing the consequences is how I can retell it).

[YNWaN]

Yeah, obviously I know that Dave - I meant the bearing part of it.