Linn Ekstatik Reference Moving Coil Cartridge

The Linn Ekstatik is the highest-performance moving coil cartridge in Linn's current turntable range.

It has been developed as a reference partner for the Sondek LP12 and the Linn Ekos SE tonearm .

A phono cartridge converts the movement of its stylus within the record groove into a small electrical signal. The accuracy of this process depends on the stylus, cantilever, generator, cartridge body, tonearm and turntable working together as one controlled mechanical system.

Linn developed Ekstatik using a combination of carefully selected materials intended to reduce unwanted movement and energy storage around the cartridge generator.

Low-Output Moving Coil Design

Ekstatik is a low-output moving coil cartridge.

Within a moving coil design, lightweight coils attached to the cantilever move through a fixed magnetic field as the stylus follows the record groove.

Keeping the moving assembly light can help the stylus respond quickly to small and rapidly changing groove modulations.

The electrical output is considerably lower than that of a typical moving magnet cartridge. Ekstatik produces 0.45 mV at 3.54 cm per second and therefore requires a compatible moving coil phono stage with suitable gain and loading.

Micro-Ridge Diamond Stylus

Ekstatik uses a micro-ridge diamond stylus.

The stylus is the part of the cartridge that makes direct contact with the record groove. Its shape influences tracking accuracy, contact with the groove walls and the cartridge's ability to follow fine musical information.

A micro-ridge profile uses a narrow contact radius designed to trace small groove modulations while spreading contact over a longer vertical area of the groove wall.

Correctly aligned, this allows the stylus to retrieve fine high-frequency information while maintaining stable contact during demanding passages.

The precision of the profile also makes cartridge alignment particularly important. Incorrect overhang, offset angle or tracking force can prevent the stylus from sitting correctly within the groove.

Sapphire Cantilever

The micro-ridge stylus is mounted on a sapphire cantilever.

The cantilever transfers movement from the stylus to the moving coil generator inside the cartridge.

It must be sufficiently light to follow rapid groove movements while remaining rigid enough to avoid bending or storing unnecessary energy.

Linn selected sapphire for its high stiffness. This helps reduce mechanical loss between the stylus and generator so that more of the movement read from the groove reaches the cartridge coils.

The sapphire cantilever is a delicate precision component and should never be touched, pushed sideways or used as a reference when handling the cartridge.

Skeletonised 7075-Grade Aluminium Body

Ekstatik uses a body machined from 7075-grade aluminium.

This aluminium alloy combines strength and stiffness with relatively low mass, providing a stable structure for the generator without making the complete cartridge unnecessarily heavy.

A honeycomb pattern is machined into the body to remove material from areas where it is not required for structural support.

This skeletonised construction reduces the overall cartridge mass to approximately 7 g while retaining the rigidity required to hold the generator, cantilever and mounting points in accurate alignment.

Reducing unnecessary body mass also helps Ekstatik work correctly with the effective mass and counterweight arrangement of the Ekos SE tonearm.

Aluminium-Bronze Inserts

Linn uses aluminium-bronze inserts within the Ekstatik cartridge structure.

These inserts were selected after Linn tested different combinations of body materials, suspension components, cantilevers, windings and internal leads.

Combining materials with different mechanical properties can help control the way vibration travels through the cartridge body.

The aluminium-bronze inserts work alongside the aluminium chassis to manage unwanted resonant energy rather than allowing it to remain close to the generator.

Diamond-Like Carbon Coated Chassis

The Ekstatik chassis has a Diamond-Like Carbon coating, commonly shortened to DLC.

DLC is an extremely hard surface coating used where durability, low friction and controlled mechanical behaviour are important.

Applied to the cartridge chassis, it forms part of the rigid structure supporting the internal generator and mounting assembly.

The coating works alongside the machined aluminium body and aluminium-bronze inserts as part of Ekstatik's overall material construction.

Three-Point Cartridge Mounting

Ekstatik uses Linn's three-point cartridge mounting arrangement.

Two conventional mounting points are positioned towards the sides of the cartridge, with a third fixing point placed towards the rear centre.

The additional mounting point creates a more rigid connection between the cartridge body and a compatible Linn headshell.

Reducing movement at this joint helps energy travel from the cartridge into the tonearm and sub-chassis rather than being stored between the cartridge body and headshell.

The three-point arrangement also helps maintain accurate cartridge geometry when Ekstatik is fitted to the Ekos SE.

Designed to Partner the Linn Ekos SE

Ekstatik has been developed as the reference cartridge partner for the Linn Ekos SE tonearm.

The cartridge's mass, three-point mounting system and material construction are intended to work with the Ekos SE's titanium arm tube, stainless-steel bearing housing and rigid headshell.

Together, the cartridge and tonearm provide a controlled mechanical path from the stylus through the arm and into the LP12 sub-chassis.

Linn's intention is to move unwanted resonant energy away from the delicate cartridge generator rather than allowing it to reflect between the cartridge and tonearm.

Ekstatik may be mechanically suitable for other tonearms that support its weight, dimensions and three-point mounting arrangement, but compatibility should be confirmed before ordering.

Fitted to the Linn Klimax LP12

Ekstatik forms part of the standard Linn Klimax LP12 specification.

In this reference turntable, it is partnered with the Ekos SE tonearm, Keel SE sub-chassis, Karousel bearing, Radikal motor and power supply, Urika II phono stage and Trampolin suspended base.

These components are designed to work together as one mechanical and electrical system rather than as a collection of unrelated upgrades.

Ekstatik can also be fitted as an upgrade to a suitable existing LP12, subject to the tonearm, sub-chassis, phono stage and wider turntable specification.

Cartridge and Tonearm Compatibility

Ekstatik has a mass of approximately 7 g and requires a tonearm capable of supporting its three-point mounting system and specified tracking force.

The headshell must provide enough adjustment to achieve the correct stylus position and cartridge geometry.

Tonearm effective mass, bearing quality, counterweight range and mechanical condition should also be considered.

The Ekos SE is Linn's recommended tonearm partner. Compatibility with an alternative tonearm should be checked by an experienced dealer rather than assumed from cartridge weight alone.

0.45 mV Output

Ekstatik produces an output voltage of 0.45 mV at 3.54 cm per second.

This is significantly lower than the output from a typical moving magnet cartridge and requires additional gain before the signal can be sent to a conventional amplifier input.

The connected phono stage must provide sufficient gain without introducing excessive noise, hum or overload.

A suitable moving coil input will also allow the cartridge to operate into the correct electrical load.

Phono-Stage Loading

Linn's current product specification recommends a load resistance of 100 O and a load capacitance of 1 nF.

Linn's wider technical guidance indicates that Ekstatik can be used with resistive loading between 42 O and 1 kO, with the final value selected by listening where the phono stage provides adjustment.

Lower resistance values can place a heavier electrical load on the cartridge, while higher values provide lighter loading.

The audible result depends on the cartridge, phono stage, tonearm cable and wider system. The 100 O setting provides the appropriate starting point for most installations.

Linn Urika and Urika II

Ekstatik can be partnered with a suitable external moving coil phono stage or with one of Linn's internal LP12 phono stages.

Linn Urika is an internal analogue moving coil phono stage installed beneath the LP12 sub-chassis. It provides conventional analogue outputs for connection to a suitable amplifier or pre-amplifier.

Urika II converts and processes the cartridge signal within the turntable before sending it digitally over Exakt Link to a compatible Linn network music player.

Both internal options require a compatible Linn Radikal motor power supply.

The best phono-stage arrangement depends on the remaining Linn system, available connections and preferred upgrade path.

2.0 g Tracking Force

Linn specifies a tracking force of 2.0 g for Ekstatik.

Tracking force describes the downward pressure applied by the stylus to the record groove.

It must be sufficient to maintain stable groove contact without applying unnecessary pressure to the cartridge suspension or record.

Using less than the specified force is not safer. An underweighted stylus may lose contact with the groove and mistrack, potentially causing greater record wear and audible distortion.

Tracking force should be measured using an accurate stylus-force gauge after the cartridge has been installed and the tonearm has been correctly balanced.

Bias and Tonearm Setup

Bias, also known as anti-skate, applies a compensating force to counteract the tonearm's tendency to move towards the centre of the record.

The final bias setting should be configured alongside the 2.0 g tracking force and checked as part of the complete tonearm setup.

Overhang, offset angle, tracking force, bias and tonearm height all influence the way the stylus sits within the groove.

On a suspended LP12, cartridge installation can also affect the suspended mass and balance of the sub-chassis. The suspension and tonearm cable dressing should therefore be checked after fitting.

Channel Balance and Separation

Linn specifies channel balance of less than 1 dB at 1 kHz and channel separation of better than 30 dB at 1 kHz.

Channel balance describes how closely the electrical output from the left and right channels matches.

Channel separation indicates the cartridge's ability to keep information from the two walls of the stereo record groove distinct.

Accurate cartridge alignment, secure mounting and clean electrical connections are also important for producing a stable central image and clearly organised soundstage.

Internal Impedance and Coil Construction

Ekstatik has an internal impedance of 12 O.

Its square armature is wound using high-purity 4N copper wire, referring to copper with a stated purity of 99.99%.

The coils form part of the lightweight moving generator attached to the cantilever.

Gold-plated 1.2 mm termination clips provide the electrical connection between the cartridge leads and tonearm wiring.

These connections carry an extremely low-level signal and should remain clean, secure and free from unnecessary mechanical strain.

Initial Running-In Period

Linn advises that Ekstatik requires at least 15 hours of use before its suspension and mechanical components begin to settle.

Linn also states that performance can continue to develop and reach its intended level after approximately 40 hours of record playback.

The cartridge should still be installed and configured correctly from the beginning. Running-in will not correct inaccurate alignment, unsuitable loading or an incorrect tracking-force setting.

Avoid making repeated changes to the cartridge setup during the initial period unless there is clear evidence of mistracking, imbalance or another installation problem.

Stylus Cleaning and Record Care

Dust collected by the stylus should be removed carefully using a suitable stylus-cleaning brush.

Brush gently in the direction that the record travels beneath the cartridge. Do not brush sideways or pull from the front of the stylus towards the rear.

Records should also be kept clean. Dust and contamination within the groove can increase surface noise and collect around the stylus during playback.

Always use the tonearm cueing mechanism where possible and avoid touching the stylus or cantilever when changing records.

Stylus Wear and Cartridge Inspection

Stylus life depends on record cleanliness, tracking accuracy, playing time and the condition of the records being used.

A worn or damaged stylus may produce increased distortion, reduced clarity or unreliable tracking.

The Ekstatik stylus is not intended to be replaced by the user. The complete cartridge should be inspected by an authorised Linn retailer if wear or damage is suspected.

Stop using the cartridge following an accidental impact or if the cantilever appears bent, twisted or displaced.

Ekstatik or Kendo?

Ekstatik and Kendo are both low-output moving coil cartridges within Linn's current range, but they are intended for different levels of LP12 system.

Ekstatik represents the higher-performance cartridge, but the decision should take account of the tonearm, sub-chassis, power supply and phono stage rather than the cartridge in isolation.

Planning an LP12 Cartridge Upgrade

Installing Ekstatik can provide a substantial upgrade to a suitably specified LP12, but the complete turntable should be assessed first.

Linn's source-first approach means that information lost through the main bearing, sub-chassis, motor control or tonearm cannot be recovered by the cartridge.

In some systems, servicing the turntable or upgrading another structural component may provide a more balanced improvement before Ekstatik is fitted.

The connected phono stage and remaining Hi-Fi system should also be capable of revealing the additional information retrieved by the cartridge.

Key Features

• Linn's flagship reference moving coil cartridge
• Designed for the Linn Sondek LP12
• Fitted as standard to the Klimax LP12
• Developed to partner the Linn Ekos SE tonearm
• Micro-ridge diamond stylus
• Sapphire cantilever
• Skeletonised 7075-grade aluminium body
• Machined honeycomb weight reduction
• Aluminium-bronze body inserts
• Diamond-Like Carbon coated chassis
• Rigid Linn three-point mounting system
• Square moving coil armature
• High-purity 4N copper coil wire
• Gold-plated 1.2 mm termination clips
• 0.45 mV output at 3.54 cm per second
• Better than 30 dB channel separation at 1 kHz
• Less than 1 dB channel balance at 1 kHz
• 12 O internal impedance
• 100 O recommended load resistance
• 1 nF recommended load capacitance
• 2.0 g tracking force
• Approximately 7 g cartridge mass
• Compatible moving coil phono stage required
• Professional installation and alignment required

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions