Linn LP12 turntable

What's a "Machined Radikal"?

@lewm

It’s a case for the LP12 Radikal power supply that has been machined out of a solid block of aluminium. It matches other Klimax components in style. However, the considerably cheaper Standard or Akurate Radikal does exactly the same job. Linn never claimed there was any benefit to sound quality.

@newton_john If you take the LP12 Klimax and divide it into its various parts, then subtract some of these parts, you will certainly be left with a less expensive table.

For example, one can utilize a Lingo 4 instead of a Radikal, but you give up not only the better speed controller, but also the superior motor. I don’t think this becomes a fair comparison if you then say, well this table or that table is more expensive or less expensive...than this or that LP12 version?

The LP12 in its top flite form has increased in price a lot over the years, and yes it has also increased a lot in ability and quality.

When I talk about competition to the current LP12 Klimax with bedrock plinth and its price, I see a number of competitors that are now on my radar. More if we are also including a used table, which in many cases is an even better purchase. For example, one can acquire a very nice Brinkmann, or a TW Acoustics...for similar money as the full bore Linn. That option used not to be the case.

IMO, and I have stated this numerous times before, the basic table is close to as great as one can get, but it is severely let down by the arm choices that work with it, and the competition simply is not hampered in this way! Want multiple arms, nope won’t work, want an arm that has exacting and multiple adjustment options, no not offered, want an arm that is compatible with large number of cartridges...not offered, want an arm that utilizes an arm cable from the cartridge pins to the phono stage in one piece, nope..not possible etc.,

One other thing, IF ( maybe a BIG IF) Linn ever do get around to upgrading and replacing the old war horse EKOS-SE, I would suspect that their new arm would be priced so far into the stratosphere ( based on what they are asking for the Bedrok plinth) that probably just a very few would ever consider it within budget! Not ideal either, IMO.

@daveyf

​​​​​​In essence, all you’re saying is that it’s complicated.

There’s a whole range of LP12s that can be compared with lots of other turntables.

Is the LP12 going to win out in every case? Of course, it can’t.

It all depends on what the person is looking for. For example, is there synergy with what you’ve already got? That was the case with me last year.

With such a variety of components, it’s always going to be possible to find one element to criticise. Everybody has their own bete noire.

My point was that quoting the high price of a brand new top of the range LP12 with cartridge, phono stage and all the bells and whistles to argue that the LP12 is expensive is a complete non sequitur. So what. Lots of hifi is expensive.

The fact is the basic cost of the LP12 hasn’t changed as much as some people try to make out.

All Linn has done is to try to compete in a more rarefied market as well. That doesn’t really affect current owners of the LP12 who have no desire to upgrade. It’s what Linn need to do to survive and prosper. I am not sure why so many people are getting their knickers in a twist about it.