Linn Urika Internal Phono Stage

One of the longest-standing compromises in LP12 replay is the cable run from the tonearm to the phono stage. Moving coil cartridges produce tiny signals — typically under 0.5 mV — and every millimetre of unshielded cable between cartridge and phono stage is an opportunity for noise to enter. The Urika solves this by eliminating that cable run entirely. It mounts inside the LP12 plinth, millimetres from the tonearm connection point, and brings the phono stage to the source rather than routing the source signal across the room.

The Urika is a fully analogue internal MC phono stage, outputting via RCA or XLR to your preamplifier. It is the analogue sibling to the Urika II, which outputs digitally over Exakt Link. If you want to keep your signal in the analogue domain, the Urika is the correct choice.

Internal Mounting and Isolation

The Urika is mounted on an integrated Trampolin base board — the same mechanical isolation system used in the LP12's main chassis — which decouples the phono stage circuit from vibrations within the plinth. The electronics are held away from the motor and tonearm mechanically, reducing the transmission of structure-borne noise into the signal path.

The tonearm connects to the Urika via Linn's T-Kable, a fully screened differential cable designed specifically for this internal application. Channel crosstalk is minimised by a dual mono circuit architecture — left and right channels are kept entirely separate through the gain and equalisation stages.

Power Supply Integration

The Urika is powered by the Radikal motor controller — either the Standard Radikal or the Klimax Radikal. The Radikal's regulated supply output provides clean, low-noise power to the phono stage, removing the need for a separate mains-derived supply and the noise that comes with it. A Radikal is required — the Urika does not operate without one.

Output Options

The Urika provides both direct-coupled RCA and transformer-coupled XLR outputs. The RCA output is suitable for most preamplifiers. The XLR output uses a signal transformer to provide true balanced connectivity, which further reduces interference on longer cable runs. Both outputs are available simultaneously.

Urika vs Urika II

The Urika is the right choice for LP12 owners who want to stay in the analogue domain throughout their system. The Urika II converts the signal to digital at the cartridge and outputs via Exakt Link to a compatible Linn DSM — it is the route to an Exakt LP12. If you do not have a Linn Exakt system and do not plan to move to one, the Urika gives you everything you need from an internal phono stage.

Technical Specifications

Note: Gain and RIAA equalisation specifications are not published by Linn. Confirm with Linn documentation.

Who Is It For?

The Urika is for LP12 owners who want the best analogue phono stage performance available within the LP12 platform, without moving to a digital Exakt system. It makes the most sense as part of a Radikal-equipped build — Radikal and Urika together represent a complete motor control and phono stage solution that is purpose-designed and mutually dependent. The improvement over any external phono stage at this price level is significant, primarily because of the shorter signal path.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins 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.

The Urika requires professional fitting inside the LP12 — it is not a straightforward installation, and it must be integrated with the Radikal correctly. Martins can carry out the fitting as part of our LP12 servicing work.

Reach them at [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], 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: [email protected] | 01603 627010 | WhatsApp: 07554 687137 | 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY