Linn Phono Cartridges
The Point Where Music Begins
A Linn phono cartridge is responsible for recovering the tiny musical details held within every record groove. From the flagship Ekstatik to the accessible Adikt, each design is engineered to track accurately, minimise unwanted resonance and reveal more of the timing, tone and emotion in your vinyl collection.
Whether you are upgrading a Linn Sondek LP12 or refining another high-end turntable, the right cartridge can transform the scale, realism and connection you feel with familiar records.
Precision at the record groove
Advanced Engineering for Better Analogue Sound
A phono cartridge operates at the most delicate point in the music system. Linn combines carefully selected materials, stylus profiles, cantilever design and resonance control to help the stylus recover the finest information from your vinyl.
Advanced Stylus Profiles
Fine-line, line-contact and micro-ridge stylus profiles increase contact with the groove wall for accurate tracking, low distortion and excellent detail retrieval.
Low-Mass Cantilevers
Materials such as boron, aluminium and diamond are selected to create fast, rigid and controlled cantilevers with excellent transient response.
Resonance-Controlled Bodies
Carefully engineered cartridge housings help manage unwanted vibration so the music remains open, focused and naturally expressive.
Moving Coil Precision
Linn moving-coil cartridges are designed for high-resolution analogue replay and work best with an appropriately matched MC phono stage.
Moving Magnet Versatility
The Adikt moving-magnet cartridge provides a flexible, engaging and accessible route into serious Linn vinyl playback.
System-Led Setup
Precise installation, alignment, tracking force and phono-stage loading are essential to hearing the full potential of any Linn cartridge.
The Linn cartridge range
Choose the Right Voice for Your Vinyl
Each Linn phono cartridge offers a different balance of engineering, refinement and system suitability. We can help match the right option to your turntable, tonearm and phono stage.
Flagship moving-coil performance
Linn Ekstatik
Ekstatik is Linn’s reference moving-coil cartridge, created for exceptional resolution, timing and musical realism in the highest-level LP12 systems.
- Moving-coil design for high-resolution analogue replay.
- Micro-ridge stylus for extremely accurate groove contact.
- Boron cantilever for low mass and excellent rigidity.
- Skeletal titanium body designed to reduce unwanted resonance.
- Ceramic inserts to support damping and structural control.
- Ideal for reference LP12 systems with suitable MC phono stages.
High-resolution moving-coil performance
Linn Kandid
Kandid is a highly revealing moving-coil cartridge designed to deliver speed, openness and dynamic expression from a carefully matched Linn LP12 system.
- Moving-coil design with a low-output configuration.
- Nude line-contact stylus for detailed, accurate tracking.
- Diamond cantilever for fast transient response and precision.
- Open-body construction intended to minimise resonance.
- High-precision alignment for strong channel separation and imaging.
- A highly capable choice for high-performance LP12 upgrades.
Advanced moving-coil refinement
Linn Kendo
Kendo brings many of Linn’s high-end moving-coil principles to a more accessible performance level, combining detail, smoothness and dynamic expression.
- Moving-coil cartridge for detailed analogue replay.
- Line-contact stylus for accurate information retrieval.
- Boron cantilever for rigidity and low moving mass.
- 7075-grade aluminium body for controlled resonance behaviour.
- Precision-wound coils for balanced, stable stereo performance.
- A strong partner for Selekt LP12 and other high-performance systems.
Open and rhythmic moving-coil replay
Linn Krystal
Krystal is a refined moving-coil cartridge designed for listeners seeking excellent clarity, resolution and musical engagement from a premium vinyl system.
- Moving-coil configuration for high-quality analogue systems.
- Nude diamond stylus for accurate groove reading.
- Boron cantilever designed for speed and detail.
- Machined lightweight housing for improved rigidity.
- Strong tracking performance and a lively, open musical character.
- Works best with a carefully matched MC phono stage.
An accessible moving-coil upgrade
Linn Koil
Koil is Linn’s accessible moving-coil option, offering a smooth, balanced and expressive route into the greater insight and refinement of MC playback.
- Moving-coil cartridge designed for LP12 system synergy.
- Fine-line stylus for more accurate tracking than standard profiles.
- Aluminium alloy cantilever for controlled, engaging performance.
- Lightweight body with damping-focused construction.
- Balanced and musical sound suited to a broad range of records.
- A natural route from MM playback into moving-coil performance.
Premium moving-magnet versatility
Linn Adikt
Adikt is Linn’s high-performance moving-magnet cartridge, combining full-bodied musicality, excellent detail and straightforward compatibility with MM phono stages.
- Moving-magnet cartridge for broad system compatibility.
- Gyger II stylus profile for strong detail and accurate tracking.
- Aluminium cantilever designed for dependable performance.
- Engaging, full-bodied and forgiving presentation.
- Ideal with MM phono stages and integrated amplifier inputs.
- A strong option for Majik LP12 and analogue systems at many levels.
Cartridge availability, tonearm compatibility, stylus service options and phono-stage matching should be confirmed before purchase. We will recommend the most suitable Linn cartridge for your turntable, system and listening priorities.
Choose the right cartridge type
Moving Coil or Moving Magnet?
Both cartridge types can deliver exceptional musical enjoyment. The best choice depends on your tonearm, available phono-stage input, system ambition and the type of sound you want to achieve from your records.
- Moving-coil cartridges can offer exceptional speed, detail and insight when paired with a suitable MC phono stage.
- Moving-magnet cartridges provide excellent compatibility, simple setup and highly engaging musical performance.
- The quality and specification of your phono stage are fundamental to cartridge performance.
- Correct alignment, tracking force and anti-skate adjustment protect records and optimise sound quality.
- A proper demonstration is the best way to compare the character and system suitability of each option.
“The cartridge is the point where the physical movement of the record groove becomes music.”
At Brian & Trevor, we can match a Linn cartridge to your LP12, tonearm and phono stage, then set it up with the care and precision needed to unlock its full performance.
Choose with confidence
Find the Right Linn Cartridge for Your System
The ideal cartridge is not simply the most expensive one. It is the model that works in harmony with your turntable, arm, phono stage and wider music system.
Build Towards Reference Performance
Ekstatik and Kandid are designed for high-level LP12 systems where every part of the analogue chain has been optimised for maximum musical resolution.
Discuss a Reference SystemUpgrade an Existing LP12
Kendo, Krystal and Koil can provide a meaningful next step for LP12 owners who are refining an established system.
Explore LP12 UpgradesStart with Moving Magnet
Adikt is an excellent route to serious vinyl replay where an MM phono stage and straightforward system compatibility are important.
Discuss AdiktGet closer to your records
Hear More From Every Record
A carefully chosen and precisely installed Linn phono cartridge can be one of the most rewarding upgrades you make to your analogue system.
Book a Demonstration
Compare Linn cartridge options in a carefully set-up music system before deciding.
Book an AppointmentMatch Your System
Get practical advice on tonearm compatibility, phono stages, setup and cartridge loading.
Ask for AdviceUpgrade Your LP12
Explore the wider LP12 upgrade path, including power supplies, bearings and tonearms.
View LP12 Upgrades