Linn LP12 turntable

Can’t really go wrong with a well-fettled LP12. $2400? Take it. It will need a decent support (table/rack) to give its best.

Perhaps in the top 3 of polarizing table brand/models?

The times I’ve heard one- very nice.

Go on an internet forum, you’ll find both satisfied users/more haters

Trust your own ears, and use the best phono stage/cartridge the budget will allow.

You’ll never get a definitive answer as to how the LP12 compares to some of the other great tables.

@noromance That’s what I was thinking, but seems to good to be true. Got to be an issue… or is that near a fair price. The dealer (I trust) seems to think at that price, it will sell in a week. At $4,00, a month. 

@tablejockey Yes, I read a long forum on audiogon with mud slinging both ways. Seems to be no middle ground. Short term I would mount my ML & keep my Aria, although after TT replacement, the Aria would be next to go. The fact that you included it with other great turntables is very intriguing… how many great turntables can be had for $2,400. 

I would watch this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCAhllcc_Ew

I think Linn is overpriced, but you found a good deal, I'd take it.

Is your favorite audio store a Linn dealer? Is there one nearby that can make sure it is set up properly, arm bearings ok, etc.?  You are asking the right questions but if all the upgrades were done and they are only asking $2400 I would do it.  It can be a finicky table which is why I ask about a local dealer who will be familiar with all the Linn idiosyncrasies.

@grislybutter Great video… with a surprise ending… a P10, the table I had planned to purchase. 🤔

@jc4659 The nearest Linn dealer is about 3 hours away. 

I have a contemporary LP12 that started as the Selekt (configuration) and I purchased a separate cartridge. From there I incrementally upgraded the tone arm and subclasses... I already owned a top end and better photo stage... Audio Research Reference 3. Outstanding turntable with excellent upgradability. 

@signaforce I was surprised too, pleasantly as I am on my second Rega. I am not an expert but I would think at this level, it's the cartridge and phono stage that matter, the rest is solid both in the Linn and higher level Regas.

I have an older LP12 that I bought from an eBay seller in England. I paid less than $1K for it, including shipping - and no sales tax because this was seven years ago. It had a Grace 707 arm and a mm cartridge. The Grace arm is worth at least $300! I don't know what upgrades were done to it. IMO the Linn upgrades are just to get the owner to keep spending money. The stock LP12 sounds excellent! If you are so neurotic that you need upgrades well it's your money!

As to the idea that only a Linn specialist can properly adjust the LP12 that's nonsense! Just another money grab from Linn! It is no more complicated than the original AR - one of which I have from Vinyl Nirvana. Plus I have two Ariston RD11's  -  Scottish-built cousins to the Linn - which I have worked on and adjusted during different tone arm swaps.

Back in 1978 you could buy a LP12 for $450 here in the USA. Even less in the UK! Ivor Tiefenbrunn was a clever marketeer and milked the hype about it during the onslaught of cheaper Jap direct drive turntables invading the UK. The LP12 is basically the same as the venerable original AR TT from the early 60's. You want a Super Deck? Buy a Continuum Caliburn!

….yawn…1978 left a lot to be desired… But the Linn is a worthwhile pursuit, especially IF you need a spring suspension…

I suspect that IF Grace was still building a 707… it might advance a bit… other than NOS tubes, who really wants an audio company not focused on continuous improvement… especially improvements that can be retrofitted to products from…. 1978.

So nice the previous owner purchased many…

PS a 707 was never the equal of even the most Basik ( that is a test and a joke ) of Linn arms… 

The Rega are good TT…

enjoy the music

I owned an LP12 and loved it, still miss the sound of it. However the LP12 must be “tuned or set up properly” to be fully enjoyed. I had issues with footfall and the LP12 is very susceptible to environmental influence. However is you have a very solid floor or it will be placed on a concrete floor by all means look into it. I actually traded in on the Rega RP10, prior to current model. I am very happy with it but still miss the delicate detail of the LP12. If you do purchase the LP12, please write down the following for any future “tune ups” as this guy is the best. I say that not out comparisons with other dealers, but experience and watching him do the actual set up. His attention to detail is on a parallel of watching a fine watch maker, precision is job 1. He does numberous set ups for customers around the country and will return ship the finished product. Contact Rick Duplisea at Audioalternative.com in Fort Collins Colorado. If you don’t have the box, he will sell and ship you one to properly package it for shipping. Good luck if you buy one as I am sure you will love it.