Linn Krane Static-Balanced Tonearm

Linn Krane is the standard tonearm supplied with the current Majik LP12 turntable.

It is designed around Linn's established effective length, mounting distance and offset angle, allowing it to integrate correctly with the Sondek LP12 armboard and suspended sub-chassis.

The tonearm is hand assembled from precision aluminium and stainless-steel components and uses low-friction bearings to allow the cartridge to follow the record groove accurately.

Krane supports both conventional two-point cartridge mounting and Linn's more rigid three-point mounting arrangement, making it compatible with Linn cartridges and many suitable third-party designs.

Fitted as Standard to Majik LP12

Krane forms part of both current Majik LP12 cartridge configurations.

The Linn Majik LP12 MM partners Krane with the Adikt moving magnet cartridge.

The Linn Majik LP12 MC combines the tonearm with the Koil moving coil cartridge.

Both configurations also include the Karousel main bearing, Majik aluminium sub-chassis, laminated armboard, internally mounted power supply and Solid Base.

Static-Balanced Tonearm Design

Krane uses a static-balanced design.

The counterweight is positioned behind the tonearm pivot and adjusted until the arm balances correctly with the chosen cartridge.

The required tracking force is then applied through the tonearm's calibrated adjustment system.

Static balance provides a straightforward and repeatable method of setting the force applied by the stylus to the record groove.

Final tracking force must always follow the specification of the fitted cartridge and should be checked using an accurate stylus-force gauge.

Precision Aluminium and Stainless-Steel Construction

Krane is assembled using carefully selected aluminium and stainless-steel components.

The tonearm structure must remain rigid enough to hold the cartridge in accurate alignment while allowing the complete arm assembly to move freely around its horizontal and vertical bearings.

Unwanted flexing or movement within the arm can allow some of the stylus energy to be stored within the structure rather than transferred through the cartridge generator.

The materials and mechanical layout are therefore designed to balance rigidity, manageable moving mass and bearing freedom.

Tungsten and Sapphire Vertical Bearing

Krane uses a polished tungsten and sapphire vertical bearing arrangement.

The vertical bearing allows the tonearm to move upwards and downwards as the stylus follows record warps and changes in the playing surface.

Tungsten provides a hard and durable bearing surface, while sapphire offers a smooth and precisely controlled contact point.

Reducing friction in this movement helps the stylus remain in stable contact with the groove without the tonearm resisting small changes in record height.

Dual Ceramic Horizontal Bearings

Horizontal movement is controlled by a dual ceramic bearing assembly.

These bearings allow Krane to move gradually towards the centre of the record as the groove progresses.

The assembly is designed to provide low friction and low rotational mass while maintaining stable positioning around the tonearm pivot.

Low friction allows the stylus to follow the groove without the bearing placing unnecessary sideways resistance on the cartridge.

Low Friction and Rotational Mass

The stylus must be able to move the tonearm assembly freely as it follows the record groove.

Excessive bearing friction may restrict this movement and can affect tracking, particularly on warped or off-centre records.

Excessive play can allow the cartridge position to move independently of the groove, reducing alignment stability.

Krane's bearing arrangement is designed to combine low rotational resistance with the mechanical stability required for accurate cartridge operation.

Adjustable Vertical Tracking Angle

Krane includes an adjustable vertical tracking angle, commonly shortened to VTA.

VTA describes the angle formed by the stylus, cantilever and record surface when the cartridge is playing.

Cartridge body height and stylus construction can affect the required tonearm position, so the arm pillar can be adjusted to establish the correct relationship.

A laser-etched scale helps the installer record and repeat the selected tonearm height during setup or future cartridge changes.

Final adjustment should be based on the cartridge specification and correct stylus position rather than making the arm tube appear level by eye alone.

Azimuth Adjustment

Krane provides an adjustment for cartridge azimuth.

Azimuth describes the side-to-side angle of the cartridge and stylus when viewed from the front.

Correct adjustment helps the stylus sit evenly between the two walls of the stereo record groove.

Poor azimuth can contribute to uneven channel balance, reduced stereo separation and unequal contact with the groove walls.

Adjustment should be made using the cartridge and tonearm setup instructions rather than relying solely on the appearance of the cartridge body.

Fixed Offset Angle

Krane uses a fixed headshell offset angle designed around Linn's established LP12 geometry.

The headshell is angled in relation to the main arm tube so that a correctly positioned cartridge follows the intended alignment across the record.

The specified offset angle is 24 degrees.

Cartridge position within the adjustable headshell is used to achieve the correct effective length and stylus overhang.

Adjustable Headshell

The Krane headshell allows the cartridge position to be adjusted precisely.

Moving the cartridge forwards or backwards changes the effective length and overhang, while small rotational changes allow the cantilever to be aligned correctly.

The adjustment should be made using the correct Linn cartridge-alignment method and an appropriate setup jig or protractor.

Positioning the cartridge approximately in the middle of the slots does not guarantee correct geometry.

Three-Point Linn Cartridge Mounting

Krane supports Linn's three-point cartridge mounting arrangement.

Two conventional fixing points are positioned towards the sides of the cartridge, with an additional mounting point towards the rear centre.

The third fixing creates a more rigid mechanical connection between a compatible Linn cartridge and the tonearm headshell.

This arrangement is used by Linn cartridges including Kendo and Ekstatik.

Although Krane can accommodate these cartridges mechanically, the complete LP12 specification, phono stage and upgrade balance should be considered before installing a cartridge from a significantly higher performance level.

Conventional Two-Point Cartridge Mounting

The headshell also supports conventional two-point cartridge mounting.

This allows Krane to partner the Linn Adikt and Koil cartridges as well as many suitable third-party designs.

Cartridge mass, body dimensions, compliance, stylus position and required tracking force must all be checked before installation.

Physical mounting alone does not guarantee that a cartridge and tonearm form a suitable mechanical or electrical combination.

Precision Linn Tonearm Geometry

Krane has an effective length of 229 mm and a stylus overhang of 18 mm.

The corresponding LP12 pivot-to-spindle mounting distance is 211 mm.

The headshell uses a specified offset angle of 24 degrees.

These dimensions establish the relationship between the tonearm pivot, turntable spindle and stylus.

Accurate geometry helps control tracking error as the stylus travels from the outside of the record towards the centre.

Magnetic Anti-Skating Control

Krane uses an accessible magnetic anti-skating mechanism positioned at the side of the tonearm.

Anti-skate, also known as bias, applies a compensating force to counteract the tonearm's tendency to move towards the centre of the record during playback.

The setting should be adjusted to suit the tracking force and requirements of the fitted cartridge.

Incorrect anti-skate may affect tracking behaviour, channel balance and the position of the stylus within the groove.

Tracking force and anti-skate should be checked together during final setup.

5-Pin DIN Tonearm Cable Connection

Krane uses a 5-pin DIN connection for a compatible Linn tonearm cable.

The detachable connection allows the tonearm signal to be carried to an external phono stage or another suitable Linn phono arrangement.

A phono cartridge produces a very small electrical signal, making secure connections, effective shielding and correct cable routing particularly important.

The required phono-stage type depends on whether the tonearm is fitted with a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge.

Partnering Linn Adikt

The Linn Adikt is the moving magnet cartridge supplied with the Majik LP12 MM.

It uses conventional two-point mounting and requires a compatible moving magnet phono stage.

Its higher electrical output makes it easier to partner with amplifiers and phono stages containing a standard MM input.

The replaceable stylus assembly also provides a practical service and upgrade route when the diamond eventually becomes worn.

Partnering Linn Koil

The Linn Koil is the low-output moving coil cartridge supplied with the Majik LP12 MC.

Koil uses conventional two-point mounting, a nude Microlinear stylus and a low-mass boron cantilever.

It requires a compatible moving coil phono stage with suitable gain and electrical loading.

Professional fitting is particularly important because the fine stylus profile and low-output generator place greater demands on alignment and phono-stage setup.

Moving Magnet or Moving Coil?

Professional Installation Is Required

Installing Krane involves more than attaching the tonearm to an armboard.

The mounting distance, arm height, cartridge alignment, tracking force, anti-skate and azimuth must all be set accurately.

The cartridge leads and tonearm cable must be handled carefully, and the LP12 suspension must be checked after the new arm and cartridge are installed.

The final setup should allow the suspended sub-chassis to move freely without the tonearm cable pulling it sideways.

Upgrading an Existing LP12

Where standalone stock or an appropriate replacement is available, Krane may be considered for a suitable existing Sondek LP12.

The condition and design of the existing armboard, sub-chassis and tonearm cable arrangement must be checked before installation.

The main bearing, suspension, power supply and cartridge should also be considered as part of the wider upgrade plan.

In some cases, servicing the turntable or improving another source component may provide a more balanced first step.

Krane or Arko?

Krane and Arko occupy different positions within Linn's current LP12 range.

Arko provides the higher-performance option, but the cartridge, sub-chassis, power supply and wider turntable specification should be considered before upgrading the tonearm in isolation.

Care and Maintenance

The exterior of Krane should be cleaned only with a clean, soft and dry cloth.

Do not apply oil, polish, solvents or household cleaning products to the arm tube, headshell, counterweight or bearing assembly.

The precision tonearm bearings do not require routine user lubrication.

The stylus should be cleaned according to the instructions supplied with the fitted cartridge.

Any unexpected bearing movement, stiffness, repeated mistracking or change in cartridge position should be inspected before further records are played.

Key Features

• Static-balanced tonearm design
• Fitted as standard to current Majik LP12 turntables
• Designed around established Linn LP12 geometry
• Hand-assembled construction
• Precision aluminium and stainless-steel components
• Polished tungsten and sapphire vertical bearing
• Dual ceramic horizontal bearing assembly
• Designed for low friction and rotational mass
• Laser-etched vertical tracking angle scale
• Adjustable tonearm height and VTA
• Cartridge azimuth adjustment
• Fixed 24-degree offset angle
• Adjustable headshell for accurate cartridge positioning
• Supports Linn three-point cartridge mounting
• Supports conventional two-point cartridges
• Compatible with Linn cartridges and many suitable third-party designs
• Side-mounted magnetic anti-skating control
• 5-pin DIN tonearm cable connection
• 229 mm effective length
• 211 mm LP12 mounting distance
• 18 mm stylus overhang
• Designed to partner Linn Adikt and Koil
• Professional installation and LP12 setup recommended

Frequently Asked Questions