Linn LP12 turntable

@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.

@newton_john Agreed. With the added point that the LP12 at its Klimax level with the Bedrok plinth is expensive..in relation to its competition. IOW, it is then possible to acquire a superior product for a similar, or maybe even lower price. Are there even more expensive tables that do not sound as good as the LP12 Klimax with Bedrok?I believe that is also true.

The LP12 Majik model is IMO a very good deal and a superior option to the competition, which is why i recommended it up thread. The Akurate model is also priced competitively, IMO.

Not complaining about the price of the new LP12 Klimax with Bedrok, simply pointing out that not only have Linn now placed themselves in a price level of table that the consumer now has a number of options that are possibly better value, but also they have now almost required their more sophisticated buyer to "shop around".

@daveyf

Sorry, I don’t know enough about other high end turntables to comment on the Bedrok LP12’s ability to compete with them.

The one thing I would say is Linn  managed to sell a couple of hundred LP12-50s. That must amount to a few million pounds turnover.

Presumably, Linn have given the Bedrok careful thought. Perhaps, they think there’s enough people with Klimax LP12s who will upgrade to Bedrok to make it pay.

I must admit that if I had the money to spare, I’d at least consider Bedrok. As it is, the only way I could conceivably buy one would be second hand. Even then it is unlikely, but never say never.