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Should I replace my LP12?

I've had an LP12 for the past 23 years. In that time, I've done all the suspension upgrades. It still has the Valhala supply. It also has the original Ittok arm, but a Goldmund platter. It has served me well and still works fine. However, I'm thinking that it might be time to go for a new, quite different approach to analog. I could save my pennies and get the Keel upgrade, new arm, etc, but maybe I'm simply ready for a change. I'm thinking I could get around $2.5k for what I have, including Clearaudio cartridge. My problem is where to go next for about the same money? The Pro-Ject tables look interesting as to the VPIs. I'd like to trade the LP12 signature lower mids for something crisper with a very sweet top end. I'm a tube guy so that might be considered a guiding principle. Any thoughts?
pscialli
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
Thanks. Only one of those is a "turntable specialist", which is
what I
would need, but that's better than none. Has anyone used Access to Music
for
LP12 set-up or upgrades?

Oh, I see there's also one in San Jose -- Ultimate Control. Never heard of
them, but good to know.
deturk
11 posts
 
There is a new Linn platter currently being auctioned on ebay with a buy-it-now option of $380. I, too, would keep your turntable. You can radically change its sound, it you want a change, by changing cartridges.
fled
3 posts
 
well I will buck the trend on this thread.
a year or so I was sort of in your dillema. I had an LP12/Ekos/lingo and loved what it did well and hated what it didnt do so well. I found myself only listening to what "sounded" good on it, but put anything remotly complex and it just gets itself in a mess. I demoed many modern decks and ALL of them sorted this problem out but brought a few of there own. In the end I went VPI SSM (not a natural choice in the UK) but I felt it gave the best comprimise between what the LP12 did well (groove and musicaility) with the ability to handle anything you throw at it.
Dont get me wrong the LP12 can play out of its skin but unfortunatly on only a few types of music.
Phil
cft
19 posts
 
I was having my doubts about the ability of my LP 12 - it is an old standard (+-1975 Model) with an Ittok LVII and a Origin Live DC motor & Speed control. The cartridge is a Roksan Shiraz.
The past weekend a friend brought over his Wilson Benesch Full Circle sporting a Ortofon Contrapunkt C. Let me tell you that the LP 12 put the other TT to great shame - Now I am really impressed with my TT (Bought for $200)
Hang on to the LP 12 and set it up properly!
Regards
xagwell
132 posts
 
I have tossed this idea around a number of times. I had an identical post about 1.5 years ago. I've chosen to stay at home with my LP-12. I have the Trampolin,Cirkus, Lingo, and Ittok LV II with a Shelter 90X. I've thought about/played with Teres and Avid but have not budged. The most recent confirmation to stay with my Linn was the audition of the keel upgrade. I have put approximately 30K into my system and have experienced that most improvements are slightly marginal at best. However the sonic improvements with the LP 12 upgrade with the Keel/Ekos/Suspension was in no way marginal. It was mouth dropping. It re-affirmed my decision and gave me something new to save my pennies for. BTW, I have had my LP 12 for 12 years.
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