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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
1,405 posts
 
Assuming your arm is in good shape between a full tune up and a new cartridge, you can be back in to vinyl for a whole lot less than $3000. Depends on how much you want to spend on a cartridge!  Figure a Denon DL103, for instance, and your back in way under $1000. Dynavector offers some very good values too. 
hal253 OP
8 posts
 
  • I apologize for not providing more details. The LP12 has an Ittok arm on it. I bought a Goldring Eroica LX cart.and a Jolida JD9 II phono preamp to use no matter what path I take. Since it's been a long time since I last played vinyl and the rest of my system is way beyond what I was listening to when I last played the Linn I figured some upgrade was due in the turntable. My present system consists of:
  • Conrad Johnson CT5 preamp
  • Velocce Saetta Amps
  • Esoteric X03 SE CD player
  • Focal Utopia Diablo speakers
  • Focal Electra sub
.     Thanks so far for your help. Have a great day.   Henry    
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,405 posts
 
Good arm and table. Need a new belt, new oil for the bearing, new springs and grommets would be nice- all part of a tune up.

Nice system 

bpoletti
1,554 posts
 
$3 - $4K?  Buy a VPI Prime or a VPI Classic and never look back.  The absolute BEST a LINN can sound is nowhere close to modern tables in that price range. 


zavato's avatar
zavato
1,405 posts
 
"The absolute BEST a LINN can sound is nowhere close to modern tables in that price range"

A little extreme, and way off base. The Prime is a great table and a modern Linn, is also a great table. 
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