DaveyF, in fairness, we have been comparing 80s LP12s with 60s Garrards!
Is the "standard" Linn Sondek LP-12 surpassed by newer turntable brands and designs??
More than ever, the infamous Linn Sondek LP12 turntables appear for sale on Audiogon. The price of each piece varying based on the age, condition, and how many authorized factory upgrades have been done .
The question is: Is the "standard" ( without any upgrades) Linn LP-12 outperformed by newer brand turntable designs?? It seems to be getting long in the tooth as a viable high end turntable
Can someone explain what made the sound quality of this table so special and so sought after?? Is a USED standard Linn LP-12. really worth the money?? Thanks
- ...
- 20 posts total
I have an '88 vintage Linn w/ Cirkus, Lingo, Ekos and had it "Tuned" by Tom at Ovature Audio in Ann Arbor, MI. New Kleos cartridge. Sounds as "New "; Toe Tapping musical. My (3rd Lyra) and it sounds better than the Clavis and Hellicon before. Still like that it has a dust cover. Just bought a Kuzma Stabi S, Kuzma Ref 12 VTA , platter upgrade and 33/45 power supply. Great TT! Plays well above its price! Some might disagree but I think the 12" arm lets the Dynavector XX2 Mk II unravel complex passages, lots of detail, huge soundstage,deep bass, precise imaging. The Linn and Kuzma play in the same "league" But the Linm has that something "Toe Tapping" about it. Does either the Linn or Kuzma blow the other away? NO! They are different and have different qualities ( different cartridges, arms, suspended vs unsuspended) Both are satisfying! I suppose that it will take a "Super Table, Arm, Cartridge." Combo to blow them away ! / ?. I do wonder if the Keel & Radikal can elevate the Linn? Or should I save that money towards one of the TTs that I am considering? : Kuzma Stabi M w/ 4pt or 14" arm, Kronos w/ Helena arm or Tech Das III w/ Graham arm? All thoughts, opinions are welcome. There is a lot of great gear out there and you can't get to hear it alone. Thanks in advance. |
The Radikal fundamentally changes the LP12 to a more modern sounding TT, i.e. more accurate. The Cirkus bearing and Kore subchasis upgrades also follows along this same path. All are fantastic upgrades and imo should be considered prior to tonearm or cartridge upgrades. If you like what an LP12 does then these upgrades make perfect sense. The "super" TT's you mention are different altogether and I suspect will have a very different sound signature. |
varyat-----+1 noromance, see varyat's reply above. What is the point of comparing a 80's LP12 to a 60's Garrard?? I understand that some people like the sound of an idler drive....that's their preference; however, the sound of the current idler drive TT's is fundamentally the same as it has ever been, IMHO..while the sound of the LP12 has drastically changed over the years. |
SunnyJim said: "The question is: Is the "standard" ( without any upgrades) Linn LP-12 outperformed by newer brand turntable designs?? It seems to be getting long in the tooth as a viable high end turntable". Davey has made an important point. If the OP considers an LP12 "long in the tooth", how much more so a 1960s Garrard ;^) To extend the spectrum of views on the 401 consider the opinion of experienced user "Paskinn" (scroll down to the bottom of the page) : http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?s=5af14203b2e7b0f5869af666496c6de4&t=122182&am... Now you have a balanced profile Jim, the Good, the Bad & the Ugly ;^) When it comes to turntables they all sound different which means that they are all (technically) inaccurate.... :( |
- 20 posts total