Linn Krane Tonearm

The Krane is the tonearm fitted as standard to the Linn LP12 Majik — Linn's entry-level arm in the current range, and a component whose engineering quality repays closer examination than its position in the hierarchy might suggest. The bearing materials, the adjustment range, and the geometry are all properly considered. This is not the compromise product that "entry-level" can sometimes imply.

The Krane replaced the older Akito at the base of Linn's tonearm range, and it is the better design. If you own a Majik LP12, the Krane is what connects your cartridge to the deck. If you own an older LP12 with a pre-Krane arm, it is also available as a standalone upgrade — a meaningful step in performance that brings the arm specification of an older deck up to the current production standard.

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 for hardness, smoothness, and long-term resistance to wear. The horizontal bearing assembly uses dual ceramic bearings for the same reasons: minimal friction and longevity over years of use.

Bearing quality is the single most consequential aspect of tonearm performance. Any play, friction, or contamination in the bearing translates directly into tracking errors and reduced cartridge performance — the bearing is the mechanism by which the cartridge follows the groove, and anything that compromises its freedom of movement compromises the replay. The Krane uses materials that hold up over the long term and perform consistently from the first record to the thousandth.

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 and requires no physical adjustment once correctly set.

Adjustment and Setup

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

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

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

Geometry and Cartridge Compatibility

The Krane is designed around Linn's effective length and offset angle, optimising overhang and tracking angle across the playing surface. 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 broadly compatible.

The Krane suits the Adikt MM cartridge at 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 Linn LP12 Majik Turntable. It is also available as a standalone upgrade for older LP12 decks fitted with an earlier entry-level arm — bringing the arm specification up to the current production standard in a single, cleanly defined step.

If you are considering the next upgrade step from the Krane, the Linn Arko Tonearm sits above it in the range and delivers a meaningful improvement in resolution and dynamic precision. Above that is the Ekos SE — and whether an arm upgrade or a power supply upgrade such as the Lingo represents the more effective first step depends on the current state of your deck and the rest of your system. That is a conversation worth having with us before committing.

The Krane is not available as a general retail item separate from the LP12 Majik in all configurations — 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 Martins Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould 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 and we will check it properly.

When you get in touch, you'll be speaking with Dave, Chris and Tim — experienced specialists who can advise on this product and your whole system.

Contact us at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.