Having ´experienced´ the Akito to the bone, I wouldn´t buy any of its versions again, even though I now know how to repair it. Still though these quite large bearings should have no difficulties whatsoever taking the normal loads, heck even take some abuse without beeing wrecked.Īlso the way and the order the arm parts are mounted makes adjustment of the Akito difficult.Īnyway the cost of the Akito was imho acceptable for its level of performance at that time.Īs the newest models are principally constructed the same as the Akito MK1 the nowadays price appears short of extortionate. If You replace the bearings buy more than just the required four pieces and select from the batch those that perform with the lowest noise and smoothest run. The low quality of the bearings show in a rather scratchy and loud noise when turned at elevated speeds due to uneven running. The bearings were cheap standard flanged roller bearings, type F683. Seeing the construction and quality of the bearings was quite a disillusioning experience. In the end I needed specialized tooling and certain chemicals to get it apart. Glueing is a cheap method allowing for larger manufacturing tolerances and cheaper construction and mounting. Taking the arm apart was not that easy, as the bearings are glued fix. Yes, it even kind of stuck at certain positions. Had been very happy with the performance until I had to realize that the bearings made problems.Īs described in earlier reviews, I could notice a uneven horizontal movement.
Have been using the Akito (MK1) since the early 90s with an K18. Modern examples claim to be far superior in materials used and construction and current prices are very high indeed, but you know, Rega have significantly refined their RB tonearms over the last thirty five years, so if starting from scratch and with a tonearm mounting board choice, I'd avoid the Akito I think. the 'sound' of this tonearm in early to middling forms was always grainy (Linn seemed to like this sonic character as many of their similar period amps and speakers were like this too). I got mine since early 90S and I used various cartridges like Linn k5, Adik, Grado Signature Jr., Platinum, Red, Black, Audio Technica 95, 440mla and Denon dl 160, 110, and my two cents is that it can handle anything.Įarly examples were made of metallic plasticine seemingly and it was easy to crush the tonearm pillar and knacker the horizontal bearings. Be aware though that the bearings gather dust over the years and need service. I have since been buying vinyl again, sold the LP12 and OL arm. The sound just changed dramatically in a positive direction. Wow! The horrible bass was now a fast, tight, dynamic bass and the treble was airy and extended. I swapped my Akito off my LP12 and tried it on the Gyro with the Elite. wooly bass and fuzzy treble with my Goldring Elite MC. I used an RB250 on my Gyro SE, then a heavily moded version of the same arm from Origin Live. I have had SME and AT arms but used Linn arms more, without being a Linn fan for other components.īetter than the linn lvx but not by much sticky bearings is a real problem and best to avoid, Alphason delta or logic datum or Rega RB300 much better choices. I have started using mine with its K9 body combined with the at95ML stylus and it outclasses all the regas I have heard (i.e most of them) for me. Not that you are neglected or (on the other side of the record) that you feel under pressure.The Mk1 is excellent value for the money. Customers become part of the event pointing you in a certain direction or extending a welcome while you wait. In fact their enthusiasm, knowledge and dedication are contagious.
Meanwhile, the boss of the shop went out to fetch me a coffee.Įveryone at Soundstage is like that. An experience beyond expectation can only have been facilitated by a skilled and dedicated craftsman behind the scenes - a turntable Surgeon who sat with me beforehand to discuss the forthcoming operation in tones of reassurance and with practical answers to every question. It doesn’t sound 40 years old now… my ears tell me it was built today: and it shines in every way. Somehow, there is also room for the hardware, including my own vintage Linn Sondek connected to serious components for demonstration after restoration. it doesn’t look out of place: and these are accommodating hosts. And it is accessible being within a short walk of Cockfosters underground station or, in my case, the occasional car journey from home with parking spaces alongside or, better still, permission to rest a bike on their wood laminate floor. It may be modest in size but it caters for the grandest ambition. This re-discovered jewel in Heddon Court Parade is more conspicuous of late with a slightly louder shop front and an enticing display of equipment within.