Linn Adikt Moving Magnet Cartridge

The Linn Adikt is a moving magnet cartridge developed as the starting point in Linn's current cartridge range.

It combines a high 6.5 mV output with standard moving magnet loading requirements, allowing it to be connected to a compatible MM phono stage without the additional gain normally required by a low-output moving coil cartridge.

The Adikt is supplied as standard with the moving magnet version of the Linn Majik LP12 and can also be considered as a replacement or upgrade for other suitably compatible turntables and tonearms.

Moving Magnet Design

A moving magnet cartridge converts the movement of the stylus in the record groove into an electrical signal using magnets attached to the cantilever assembly and fixed coils within the cartridge body.

This arrangement produces a considerably higher output than most moving coil cartridges. The Adikt delivers 6.5 mV at 5 cm per second, making it suitable for a conventional moving magnet phono input.

Moving magnet cartridges also allow the stylus assembly to be replaced separately from the main cartridge body. This can reduce the cost and disruption involved when a stylus eventually becomes worn or damaged.

Replaceable Gyger II Stylus

The Adikt uses a replaceable Gyger II stylus profile.

The stylus is the small diamond component that follows the modulations within the record groove. Its shape, alignment and condition have a direct influence on tracking, detail retrieval, distortion and record wear.

The Gyger II profile is designed to make precise contact with the groove walls, allowing the cartridge to follow fine musical information while maintaining stable tracking when correctly installed.

Because the stylus assembly can be replaced, a worn stylus does not automatically require the complete cartridge body to be discarded.

Aluminium Tube Cantilever

The Gyger II stylus is mounted on an aluminium tube cantilever.

The cantilever transfers the movement of the stylus into the cartridge's internal generator system. It must be light enough to follow rapid groove movements while remaining sufficiently rigid to maintain accurate control.

Correct tracking force and alignment are particularly important because the cantilever is a delicate mechanical component. It should never be pushed sideways or handled directly.

Rigid Cartridge Body

Linn uses a rigid body to provide a stable mechanical structure for the stylus, cantilever and internal generator.

Unwanted movement within the cartridge body can blur the tiny vibrations being read from the record groove. A secure cartridge body and correctly tightened mounting screws help the complete assembly behave as one controlled structure.

The mounting screws should be secure, but overtightening them may damage the cartridge body, headshell or tonearm.

Former-Less Copper Coil

The Adikt uses a former-less coil wound with copper wire.

This forms part of the generator system responsible for converting the mechanical movement of the stylus into the small electrical signal sent to the phono stage.

Gold-plated 1.2 mm connection pins provide the electrical connection between the cartridge and the tonearm wiring.

Tonearm Compatibility

The Adikt uses a conventional two-point mounting arrangement and can be installed on a range of compatible tonearms.

Linn specifically identifies its Krane and Arko tonearms as suitable partners.

Compatibility with another tonearm depends on its cartridge mounting arrangement, available adjustment, effective mass, counterweight capacity and the clearance around the cartridge body.

A cartridge physically fitting beneath a headshell does not automatically mean that it can be aligned and balanced correctly.

Cartridge Alignment

Cartridge alignment determines how the stylus sits in relation to the record groove as the tonearm travels across the playing surface.

Incorrect overhang or offset angle can increase distortion, particularly towards the centre of a record, and may cause uneven stylus and record wear.

The cartridge should be aligned using the correct method or alignment gauge for the connected tonearm. The cantilever and stylus position should be used as the primary reference rather than relying only on the outer edges of the cartridge body.

Linn turntables are precision mechanical systems, so cartridge replacement can also be a useful opportunity to check the tonearm, suspension, tracking force, bias and general turntable setup.

Tracking Force

Linn specifies a tracking-force range of 1.5 to 2.0 g for the Adikt.

The tracking force should be measured after the cartridge has been installed and the tonearm has been correctly balanced.

Using too little tracking force is not safer for records. An underweighted stylus may lose contact with the groove and mistrack, potentially causing more damage than a cartridge operating at the correct setting.

Excessive tracking force may place unnecessary pressure on the stylus suspension and record groove. The final setting must remain within Linn's specified range.

Moving Magnet Phono-Stage Matching

The electrical output from any phono cartridge is too low to be connected directly to an ordinary line-level input.

The Adikt therefore requires a moving magnet phono stage or an amplifier with a compatible MM phono input.

Linn specifies a load resistance of 47 kO and a load capacitance of 150 to 200 pF.

The total capacitance includes the phono-stage input, tonearm wiring and connecting cable. Excessive or unsuitable capacitance can alter the cartridge's high-frequency response.

Channel Balance and Separation

Linn specifies channel balance within ±2 dB at 1 kHz and channel separation of better than 25 dB at 1 kHz.

Channel balance describes how closely the left and right outputs match, while channel separation indicates the cartridge's ability to keep information from the two groove walls distinct.

Correct alignment and clean cartridge connections are also important for producing a stable central image and convincing stereo separation.

Fitted to the Majik LP12

The Adikt is available separately and is also fitted as standard to the moving magnet version of the Linn Majik LP12.

This pairing combines the Adikt with the Krane tonearm, Majik aluminium sub-chassis, Karousel bearing and internal Majik power supply.

It provides an accessible starting point within Linn's modular LP12 system while retaining the opportunity to upgrade the tonearm, cartridge, sub-chassis, power supply and other components in the future.

View the Linn Majik LP12 with Krane tonearm and Adikt cartridge for details of the complete turntable.

Linn Adikt or Linn Koil?

The Adikt and Koil occupy different positions within Linn's Majik-level cartridge options.

The Adikt is a high-output moving magnet cartridge with a replaceable stylus. The Koil is a lower-output moving coil cartridge using a nude Microlinear stylus and boron cantilever.

Linn positions the Linn Koil as the next cartridge step above the Adikt.

The better choice depends on the connected phono stage, tonearm, remaining turntable specification and available upgrade budget. Changing to Koil may also require a compatible moving coil phono stage.

Cleaning and Everyday 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 the stylus from front to back, as this may damage the cantilever or suspension.

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

Always lower the tonearm using its cueing mechanism where possible and protect the cartridge from accidental contact when changing records.

Key Features

• Moving magnet phono cartridge
• High 6.5 mV output
• Gyger II stylus profile
• Replaceable stylus assembly
• Aluminium tube cantilever
• Rigid cartridge body
• Former-less internal coil
• Copper coil wire
• 1.2 mm gold-plated connection pins
• Standard two-point mounting arrangement
• Compatible with suitable Linn and non-Linn tonearms
• Designed for 47 kO moving magnet inputs
• Recommended load capacitance of 150 to 200 pF
• Tracking-force range of 1.5 to 2.0 g
• Better than 25 dB channel separation at 1 kHz
• Fitted as standard to the Linn Majik LP12 MM
• Suitable as an accessible entry into Linn cartridge ownership

Frequently Asked Questions