How much should I pay for old LP12?

Hi, Ulf: If I were advising a close friend, I would tell them NOT to buy an old Linn LP-12. Even when they were new, LP-12's required a lot of on-going tweaking to maintain their performance. Given the number of really good turntables that you could consider, I'd urge you (if you were a close friend) to add a little money to your budget and think about a new Rega with Rega RB300 arm, or a new VPI HW-19 Junior. Since you are apparently willing to buy a used TT, you should also consider a VPI HW-19 Mk3; Basis; Oracle; or Kuzma. For the tonearm, there is probably no better inexpensive model than the Rega RB300, although a used Rega RB600 is a fine buy. VPI has also supplied AudioQuest PT-6 arms with their tables, and there is also au upscale version called the PT-9. Most of the other arms that come to mind (Graham, etc.) are going to cost considerably more. As a final option, I'd also seriously consider the Thorens line. They make an excellent TT which has its own arm.

Hi Ulf,
There are a lot of Linnophobics out there that never owned one but know for sure they're problems. I have a LP12/Vahalla/Cirkus/Ittok LVII that I bought used from a Linn salesman in Chicago. It was delivered and set up by the Linn guy. Since then it's been moved state to state twice, and had cartridge changes (by me) twice with absolutely no problems. Set up can be done via help from the instruction manual (available from the distributor) and a dining room table that opens up in the middle. Wall mounts work the best though a short, light, rigid stand will work too. An old Linn can always be upgraded and reconditioned.
I think $500 is a steal.

Yes, the Linn does require setup, and occasional adjustment. But there does seem to be a preponderance of "Sokdekophobia neurotica" out there. The Linn is a pretty good table, and with some commonsense mods, it becomes even lower maintenance and higher performance. To each his (or her) own of course. I'd be the last person to turn down an Oracle, Aries, or Basis - but I'm just not to the point of being dissatisfied with my LP12. And if this particular table and arm are in good shape, $500 is damn good deal. Give it a listen and decide for yourself. Happy Listening, -John

If it's a first or even 2nd generation Akito check out the bearings. Chances are if the table was played often, the bearings are shot. And you cannot get replacement stylus for the K9. If the power supply is original it too is probably near shot. A rebuild (a waste of money IMO) will set you back around $270.00 while a new one is over $500.00. The fact that it has a Cirkus means you'll only need it set up once a year or so. As most people here know I am not a linnie, but if the arm is in good shape, you can't do better for $500.00. Take the table to a Linn dealer and have him check out the arm bearings and put the cartridge under a scope. Even if the cartridge is shot $500.00 is still a good deal. Hell, the Cirkus cost more then that.