Linn Krane Tonearm

The Krane is the tonearm fitted as standard to the Linn LP12 Majik. It is Linn's current entry-level arm — though that description needs context, because the Krane is genuinely well-made and properly specified. The bearing materials, the adjustment range, and the geometry are all considered rather than compromised.

The Krane replaced Linn's older Akito arm at the entry level, and it is a better design. If you own a Majik LP12, the Krane is what sits between your cartridge and the deck.

Design and Construction

The Krane is a static-balanced tonearm, hand-assembled from precision aluminium and stainless steel components. The vertical bearing uses polished tungsten and sapphire — materials chosen specifically for their hardness, smoothness, and resistance to wear. The horizontal bearing assembly uses dual ceramic bearings for the same reasons: longevity and minimal friction over the long term.

This is not the engineering compromise you might expect at the entry level. Bearing quality is fundamental to tonearm performance — any play, friction, or contamination in the bearing translates directly to tracking errors and reduced cartridge performance. The Krane uses materials that hold up over years of use.

Anti-skating is handled by a magnetic mechanism rather than a hanging weight or spring — a cleaner approach that avoids the resonances associated with mechanical anti-skate systems.

Adjustment and Setup

The Krane offers a useful range of adjustments for correct cartridge setup. VTA (vertical tracking angle) is set using a laser-etched scale, allowing precise and repeatable adjustment. The headshell is adjustable to ensure the correct effective length for the mounted cartridge. Azimuth — the rotational alignment of the cartridge body relative to the record surface — can also be adjusted, with the offset angle fixed.

The headshell uses a 3-point mounting system compatible with Linn's alignment geometry. The tonearm cable connection is a 5-pin DIN, for use with Linn tonearm cables.

These adjustments mean the Krane can be set up properly — not approximated. Getting a tonearm set up correctly is as important as the tonearm itself; a well-adjusted Krane will perform significantly better than a poorly adjusted arm costing considerably more.

Geometry and Cartridge Compatibility

The Krane is designed around Linn's effective length and offset angle, which determines the overhang and tracking angle for which the arm is optimised. This geometry is standard to all Linn tonearms. All Linn cartridges are designed and specified for this geometry. Third-party cartridges mounted to a standard half-inch headshell are also compatible with most quality designs.

The Krane suits the Adikt MM cartridge at the standard Majik LP12 specification, and the Koil MC in the Majik LP12 MC version. It is also compatible with cartridges from other manufacturers at equivalent performance levels.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The Krane is the arm you have if you own a Majik LP12. It is also available as a standalone upgrade for older LP12 decks that have an earlier entry-level arm fitted.

If you are considering upgrading the arm on an LP12 Majik, the next step within Linn's range is the Arko, and above that the Ekos SE. Both represent meaningful steps in performance, and a conversation about whether an arm upgrade or a power supply upgrade (Lingo) makes more sense as a first step is worth having — the answer depends on the current state of the deck and the rest of the system.

The Krane is not available as a standalone retail item separate from the LP12 Majik. If you are looking to replace a damaged arm on a Majik, or to upgrade an older deck to Krane specification, contact us directly.

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.

Correct tonearm setup is something we take seriously — a Krane set up well is a very capable arm, and the difference between a correctly and incorrectly set up LP12 is not subtle. If you have any doubt about whether your current setup is correct, bring the deck in.

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