2. analog
  3. 119771-74915

Upgrade Linn LP 12 or buy new table

I would like to get back into vinyl after an approx. 17 year absence. I have a Linn LP 12 that I bought in 1983 which I used for 15 years and then put into storage. I never got rid of my vinyl. So my question is : Do I upgrade my LP 12 to the tune of three to four thousand dollars or do I spend the same amount on a new turntable and sell the LP 12?  Everyone's two cents worth would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks
hal253
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,391 posts
 
What arm do you have? I would imagine the cartridge is in need of replacement. These are factors.

if you are interested in new, I am very impressed by the VPI Prime
theo's avatar
theo
2,664 posts
 
I had a nicely set up LP12 and it sounded great, but I hit a point of either further obligation to Linn for upgrades and maintenance mor change. I decided to trade off on a Rega RP10. I do miss the musical pacing of the LP12, in my opinion it would become high maintenance and the trade off of, in my opinion, the freedom I felt I gained, the Rega has been a good transitional table for me. The timbre and pacing are very similar. But if you haven't been listening to vinyl for a while, you may not notice the differences in sounds of other tables by comparison.
if you have a dealer that knows how to tune an LP12 properly, it would be a lesser investment to start with. Then you have a way to see if you really want to get emerced  in vinyl. I think you will. If you do want it tuned properly contact Rick at audioalternative.com and get an estimate. You can ship it him and he ships it back set up as good as it can be tuned. 
This is tough decision if planning to spend 3-4K as that buys a nice table, but it also buys a good tune up, nice cartridge and maybe a good used phono stage if you need one. 
My final thought is have the table assessed by some one who knows them. After 17 years of sitting idle a lot of parts have dried and lost resilience and it may take a rebuild besides a tune up. 
Good luck
chayro
2,935 posts
 
Why do you assume you have to spend 4K on upgrades.  The linn sounds very good without any of the new additions.  However, you will have to get it set up properly and you might need a few small parts like springs, which are cheap.  No matter what anybody says, once set up properly, a Linn does not require constant maintenance and it will stay set up for many years until requiring any adjustments. But you do need a good setup person.  
More to discover