Is a Linn Sondek LP12/Lingo/Ekos with a Cirkus update, the last turntable I’ll ever buy?

@cd318 This is telling:
"Then there’s the question of just how much better is a top spec 2020 LP12 v a top spec 1980s LP12. I have heard that some have argued that successive upgrades have somewhat diminished its fabled analogue warmth. I don’t know, and it’s difficult to find out as Linn seem to have given up on promoting the LP12 at shows.

The last Linn product I heard, and that was some 6/7 years ago, were some large ugly overpriced floorstanders."

There really isn’t any question that the Linn LP12 today is a superior table from any version from the 80’s or even 6/7 years ago! Nonetheless, there are still plenty of folks who haven’t heard one of the top models in decades, or even 6/7 years ago with ugly overpriced floor standers, that are still more than happy to naysay! I really question why this is??

@coachopconnor   There are a few additional mods to your table...1) Original stamped sub chassis, braced stamped sub chassis, Kore, Keel
2) Power supply- original/Nirvana, Valhalla, 4 Lingos ( actually really five, as the first Lingo 2 was exactly the same as the original Lingo but in a different case, while the later Lingo 2 had mods to the board) 
3) Base- Trampolin, Trampolin 2, Solid
4) Top plate-reinforced and non reinforced.
5) Plinth- Original Afro with flute, Non-flute, corner braced and now various color options. 

To that numerous 3rd party options, like the recently popular Tiger Paw Tranquility etc.,

First: $2400 is a very good price for the Linn package you describe. It’s good value.
Second; you have to listen and see if you like the Linn sound for the long term. I had an lp12 for years and liked it but eventually realized it sounded rather homogenized with a woolly upper base and limited spacial separation compared to my next turntable; a Michell gyrodec
I can’t imagine going back.

@rrm  would be helpful to know what model of LP12 ( age, power supply, bearing, tonearm, sub chassis etc) you are comparing to your Michell. 

@daveyf ,

’There really isn’t any question that the Linn LP12 today is a superior table from any version from the 80’s or even 6/7 years ago!’


Linn have been spinning that guff for decades, and decades. Every few years it is claimed that some new improvement is found.

If so, then why not compare the current with the previous?

Basically, whichever way you care to spin it, the current Linn is just slightly better engineered version of Edgar Villchur’s pioneering 1962 AR Turntable.

Same 3 point suspended suspension, same belt drive, and same platter.

Is there anything even remotely original about the Linn?