MM Phono Stage: Uphorik vs Akurate DSM vs Majik DSM/2 ?

[JensA]

I will soon replace my Majik DSM/2 with a Akurate Exakt DSM/1 and a Akurate Exaktbox-I while I have no immediate plans for upgrading my Majik LP12 (with Adikt MM).
It will be interesting to see if I can hear any improvement due to a better MM stage in the Akurate EDSM compared to the MDSM.

Following question:
2nd hand prices for Klimax Exakt DSM/1 appear to be quite "attractive", however unlike the AEDSM the KEDSM doesn't have any Phono MM stage, so it would require investment into a MM Phono Pre.
As far as I can see the only solution Linn presently offers is the Uphorik.

Would the Uphorik be a "gamechanger" compared to the internal Akurate MM stage?

 

[Fazioli]

....

Following question:
2nd hand prices for Klimax Exakt DSM/1 appear to be quite "attractive", however unlike the AEDSM the KEDSM doesn't have any Phono MM stage, so it would require investment into a MM Phono Pre.
As far as I can see the only solution Linn presently offers is the Uphorik.

Would the Uphorik be a "gamechanger" compared to the internal Akurate MM stage?

Absolutely a very versatile and high quality MM/MC phono stage which will bring a greater resolution of sound compared to the internal phono stage. However bear in mind the limiting factor may be your Adikt cartridge; having said that the Uphorik will reveal whatever its potential is.

 

[akamatsu]

Absolutely a very versatile and high quality MM/MC phono stage which will bring a greater resolution of sound compared to the internal phono stage. However bear in mind the limiting factor may be your Adikt cartridge; having said that the Uphorik will reveal whatever its potential is.

The Uphorik should resolve better than the internal phono stage of the Akurate. It will better reveal what the turntable/cartridge is outputting. However, it's what's upsteam of the Adikt that will reveal its potential.

As for the Klimax DSM, it would be a nice improvement in DSing. If the Uphorik can be had used for a good deal, then I'd say take the opportunity to facilitate upgrading your DSM.

 

[akamatsu]

2nd hand prices for Klimax Exakt DSM/1 appear to be quite "attractive",

They are practically being given away. What an opportunity.

But as you are discovering, having a turntable complicates things a bit. But for someone who is into DS only, why hesitate? Especially with Utopik on the way.

 

[Trunkmonkey]

I think the Linn phono cards are excellent. The MC board in my Majik Kontrol was not that far off a Linto. In fact, it may have boogied better although was less engaging in other ways. This with a top-spec LP12/Akiva at the time although I only had aktiv Ninkas which were quite forgiving. More recently, I've used the MM card in a modern Majik integrated and that was also very good.

I wouldn't worry about partnering a Majik LP12 with Uphorik. It will help minimise distortion into downstream components and make the Adikt sound more like an MC - it's a great cartridge in my opinion. I use a Lejonklou Slipsik 8 into a 2002-spec LP12 fitted with Adikt and it's excellent. There's a couple of used Slipsik 7's for sale on the Lejonklou forum.

Of course, you can always invest in your deck instead which will bring greater gains certainly in terms of musicality, but sounds like you prefer to keep it Majik-spec.

 

[heimo]

Adikt into Uphorik here. Both bought used except the stylus.

The Adikt seems like a ridiculously overpriced MM. Until you hear it play.

 

[Tendaberry]

Would the Uphorik be a "gamechanger" compared to the internal Akurate MM stage?

While the Akurate DSM phono stage will beat the Majik and the Uphorik will beat the ADSM, the real gamechanger for you would be the Klimax Exakt DSM/1 paired with a Lejonklou Slipsik phono stage. It was developed using the Adikt and betters any Linn MM stage.

 

[arm]

I will soon replace my Majik DSM/2 with a Akurate Exakt DSM/1 and a Akurate Exaktbox-I while I have no immediate plans for upgrading my Majik LP12 (with Adikt MM).
It will be interesting to see if I can hear any improvement due to a better MM stage in the Akurate EDSM compared to the MDSM.

Following question:
2nd hand prices for Klimax Exakt DSM/1 appear to be quite "attractive", however unlike the AEDSM the KEDSM doesn't have any Phono MM stage, so it would require investment into a MM Phono Pre.
As far as I can see the only solution Linn presently offers is the Uphorik.

Would the Uphorik be a "gamechanger" compared to the internal Akurate MM stage?

I have tried both the MM stage on the MDSM/1 and the MM/MC in the Akurate hub. Disliked both when compared to a resonable external phono stage ( Sutherland ph3D) . In fact , i have never been more disappointed in a Linn product then these two internal cards, I was hoping to reduce my box count at the time. The Uphorik would be a game changer in this scenario.

 

[JensA]

While the Akurate DSM phono stage will beat the Majik and the Uphorik will beat the ADSM, the real gamechanger for you would be the Klimax Exakt DSM/1 paired with a Lejonklou Slipsik phono stage. It was developed using the Adikt and betters any Linn MM stage.

I simply followed your recommendation

The Lejonklou Slipsik 8 has already arrived at my Linn dealer and will be collected once the Utopik upgrade has arrived and installed into my KEDSM/1

 

[zee9]

Curious to hear your thoughts as that’s the phono stage id like if I decide to stay with a MM cartridge.

A friend just replaced his rega fono Mk4 with a Lejonklou entity and claims it’s at least 25% better.

Cartridge is an Ania pro on a rega P6.

 

[JensA]

Curious to hear your thoughts as that’s the phono stage id like if I decide to stay with a MM cartridge.

A friend just replaced his rega fono Mk4 with a Lejonklou entity and claims it’s at least 25% better.

Cartridge is an Ania pro on a rega P6.

I plan to do a comparison test of the different phono mm preamps I have at home for a short time now before i part with some of them:

- MDSM/2 internal mm
- AEDSM/1 internal mm
- Lejonklou Slipsik 8
- Creek obh/15 2

My idea is to make vinylrips with songcorder so that I can do a blind test of the individual recordings against each other afterwards.
I realise, of course, that not only the phono mm will be tested, but also the adc used.

LP12 will be the same (latest MM Majikwith Trampolin and Lingo 2).

Any suggestions for a nice test record?

 

[timster]

I plan to do a comparison test of the different phono mm preamps I have at home for a short time now before i part with some of them:

- MDSM/2 internal mm
- AEDSM/1 internal mm
- Lejonklou Slipsik 8
- Creek obh/15 2

My idea is to make vinylrips with songcorder so that I can do a blind test of the individual recordings against each other afterwards.
I realise, of course, that not only the phono mm will be tested, but also the adc used.

LP12 will be the same (latest MM Majikwith Trampolin and Lingo 2).

Any suggestions for a nice test record?

Kind of depends on your collection but the best recorded vinyl in mine is Just a Little Lovin' by Shelby Lynne

 

[akamatsu]

Any suggestions for a nice test record?

Something that you’ve listened to many times before.

 

[Andyt916]

Possibly a little late to the party here...

I bought a Uphorik when I had an Adikt cartridge and, TBH, didn't notice much if any difference from the in-built phono stage in my then Arcam amplifier.

Having said that, that wasn't why I bought the Uphorik - that was to facilitate a cartridge change to Krystal, and it hasn't disappointed. Barring a lottery win I can't see myself changing the Uphorik at any point in the near future, if ever.