Linn Adikt Moving Magnet Cartridge

The Adikt is Linn's moving magnet cartridge, and it is the standard-fit cartridge on the LP12 Majik MM specification. It is a well-considered design that takes the inherent advantages of the moving magnet format — wide compatibility with phono stages, a replaceable stylus, robust reliability — and adds a level of stylus geometry that is normally reserved for more expensive designs.

If you own a Majik LP12 MM, the Adikt is what you have. If you need to replace the stylus, or if you are building an LP12 at Majik specification from scratch, this is the cartridge.

Why MM, and Why the Adikt

Moving magnet cartridges have a higher output voltage than moving coil designs — the Adikt produces 6.5mV at the standard 5cm/s measurement velocity, compared to 0.4mV for the Koil MC. That higher output means the Adikt works with the phono stage built into most integrated amplifiers, as well as with any dedicated MM phono stage. You do not need a separate high-gain or step-up component.

The Adikt's defining feature is the Gyger II stylus. This is a line-contact profile — a geometry that places a narrow contact patch along the groove wall rather than the broader contact of a standard elliptical tip. Line-contact profiles trace the groove more accurately, particularly at high frequencies where the groove modulations are tightest and most demanding. The practical results are improved high-frequency extension, better retrieval of fine detail, and reduced groove wear over time compared to elliptical tips. This is not a stylus profile you typically find at this price point in a standard-fit cartridge.

The stylus assembly is user-replaceable. When the stylus reaches the end of its service life — typically measured in hundreds of hours of use — you replace the stylus unit, not the entire cartridge body. This reduces the long-term cost of ownership and means you always have the option of fitting a replacement from stock rather than waiting for a repair.

Build and Compatibility

The Adikt body is constructed for minimal resonance. The former-less coil armature and aluminium tube cantilever are standard components in Linn's cartridge design; the rigidity of the body helps to ensure that the signal from the stylus tip reaches the coil without contamination from structural vibration.

Mounting is standard half-inch centres, compatible with any tonearm that accepts a standard cartridge — including the Krane, Arko, and Ekos SE on the LP12 side, and virtually all third-party tonearms.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The Adikt is for the LP12 Majik owner, and for anyone building or upgrading a quality turntable at this level who wants a line-contact MM cartridge with a replaceable stylus. It is a sensible choice for a system where the phono stage is MM-only, or where the phono stage budget does not extend to the higher-gain requirements of a moving coil design.

If you are considering a step up within the LP12 platform — moving to a moving coil cartridge — the natural next step is the Koil, provided your phono stage has a suitable MC input. The Adikt and Koil share the same mounting standard and tonearm geometry requirements, so changing cartridges on a Majik LP12 is straightforward.

Buying from Martin's Hi-Fi

Martin's Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968, and the Linn range has been part of what we do for years. We are still family-run — Ted Martin's daughter Elizabeth runs the business today — and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind.

When buying a replacement Adikt stylus or cartridge, it is also worth considering a full LP12 service if your deck has not had one recently — correct suspension balance makes a significant difference to how any cartridge performs. Our LP12 servicing page covers what is involved.

Reach them at dave@martinshifi.co.uk, chris@martinshifi.co.uk, info@martinshifi.co.uk, call on 01603 627010, or WhatsApp Dave or Chris directly on 07554 687137. You can read more about who we are and how we work on our Why Martin's page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY, open six days a week.

Contact: info@martinshifi.co.uk | 01603 627010 | WhatsApp: 07554 687137 | 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY