davetruestory

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I but this TT in early 90's and even I tried others like Rega 2 and VIP 19 jr, I always return to the Basik. Mine have the Akito arm mounted, by the way I have used this tonearm with mc without a problem you only have to adjust the anti-skating to 75% of the tracking force. The sound of the Basik is laid back compare so cartridge that have recessed highs like the Grado turn to become boring in the long run. The TT preferred more accurate cartridges like Sumiko Blue Point, AT, and Denon.

che999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.75 of 5, 4.00 votes

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Maybe linn is the end of the world ,but everytime you have a problem, they sugested you to buy a new upgrade. i have a problem with the counterweight of a basik tonearm Linn sugestion: buy an akito

Strengths:
sound for the price

Weaknesses:
parts and service

Price Paid:  $1000.00 from Die Steiner Box

Summary:
My dealer set up a "new" Linn Basik/ Akito for me from never-used spare parts, including an LP 12 bearing. After listening to it first, I thought it was wailing - but it was really the much-too-soft mounting. The player it so incredibly accurate, it immediately reveals all weaknesses of the ground. When your Linn dealer says: place it light and stable, he means VERY stable. I believe most Basiks with a soggy bass are just not placed right - I suggest using 18 mmm multiplex boards with screwed-in spikes (a good, affordable base for almost all HiFi products). At the moment, I am still trying to set up my chain for handling all the energy the Basik delivers! Also, it is far more musical than the P25 and just gives more realism to instruments and voices. With a decent pickup the Basik is good for astonishing listening fun!

Strengths:
Easy handling, tact & timing

Weaknesses:
Touchy installation

Similar Products Used:
Rega P25

Summary:
The Basik is a very natural sounding record player, capable of communicating all the important aspects of the music being played. It's very euphonic and unfussy, always sounding as if everything is ok. It is very easy on the ear.
It goes well with classical and jazz but I think it would also be good with rock and pop.
I have owned Thorens TD 166 II and 320 which are suspended subchassis and both were much more critical of the surface where they were siting than the Linn. I have used the Linn on a coffee table and on Target TT2 table, and although it presented differences it never really was too unhappy. Now it is siting on a Target AER3 rack with very satisfactory results and no problems.
The Linn is fuller sounding than the TD 166II and more communicative and easy on the ear than the Thorens TD320.
The weaker point is the bass, which could be purer. But even the bass is full , informative and pleasant sounding. Perhaps it isn't the ultimate record player in detail, but all the important things of the music are there.
My initial idea was to buy the Linn Axis but after listening to the two of them in my home I found the Basik was more musical and natural sounding (although it was the cheaper one and less praised by the press), the Axis being drier and colder.
My setup is Linn Basik/Akito/K9 - Rega Elex - Rega EL8

Strengths:
Well balanced, communicative, natural sound

Weaknesses:
Bass could be purer

Price Paid:  $600.00 from Linn dealer in austin

Summary:
Using w/Arcam Amp , Linn 400 speaker wire, and Linn Index speakers. Very, very happy with this set-up. Have used this player for many years without any problems. Natural, detailed, dynamic, full-bodied sound. Good timing, but not hyper detailed or too "hi-fi" sounding.

The rega is probably the best player all-around player you can currently purchase new for under $1000, but I never could get into it. It had good 'boogie' and tightness, but always sounded too thin/lightweight or restrained for my taste. I think it is the glass platter. Sort of like the turntable equivalent to the Spica TC-50.

Major Problem w/ Basik: Very poor isolation -- no suspension. Its the diff between the LP12 and the Basik. Those 3 rubber footers do not do very much. This lack of isolation/suspension can cause real problems like skipping, muddy bass, noise, and loss of detail. I have used the table in a variety of configuations and set-ups over time. The differences due to isolation can be HUGE. Besides a wall shelf, the only thing that seems to really work is a stack of isolation levels (2-3) w/ vibrapods or AQ feet in between. The target rack I had for a while didn't do anything. Note that while I really like this little table, when you have to resort to oddball set-ups like wall-mounting or multi-layer isolation shelves to sound good, there is something wrong. Since this table is only available on the used market, I would definately recommend spending a little more on a used LP 12.

Strengths:
Simple, Well Built, Full Rich Sound

Weaknesses:
Isolation

Similar Products Used:
Dual CS 5000, Rega 2, Systemdek --, LP 12