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Radikal Linn LP12 or Palmer 2.5?

The motor of my 25 year old LP12 just conked out and I was planning to use this as an opportunity to get it keeled and radikalized, until I recently went to an audio show and heard a Palmer 2.5 with an Origami arm that sounded fabulous.  I’ve never heard a fully upgraded LP12, but I’ve been living with my Cirkus/Ekos/Linto/Lingo version for some time.  After hearing the Palmer, I thought it might be time for a new direction, but I understand the Linn upgrades to be quite dramatic. I probably won’t be able to do a A/B comparison, so if anyone out there has has a chance to directly compare the two, I would love to hear your thoughts.  This is going to be a big expenditure for me either way and it will likely be my last turntable, so thanks in advance for any insights you may be willing to share.
latenitecity
br3098
1,009 posts
 
I really can't image comparing the Linn to the Palmer - they are both good decks but have completely different strengths and weaknesses.  To be fair, I am not an owner or a fan of either but I have spent a considerable amount of time with both and feel I understand the characteristics of both turntable designs.

The Linn has been covered in Agon and other forums ad nauseam so I don't need to regurgitate any of those discussions here.

The Palmer is a beautiful turntable and while the manufacturer claims to be based on Tom Fletcher's designs, this model violates almost all of Tom's intended principles of turntable design.  IMO if you want a Fletcher turntable you should look at Pear Audio, Tom's last venture before his demise or Nottingham, his original designs.

Full disclosure - I was formerly a dealer for Pear Audio and still own three Pear Audio Blue turntables.  As a dealer I received more than one Palmer turntable in trade towards a Pear Audio deck and in every case the customer was very happy with the upgrade.

latenitecity OP
19 posts
 
br3098:  Thanks for your thoughts on the Pear Audio line of turntables. I did consider them for a while and I know they are well reviewed but, for whatever reason, they never gained traction with me. 

 Do you have any experience with the Dr. Feickert “bird line” of products? Since they are the most recent shiny objects to capture my attention and stoke my enthusiasm.
br3098
1,009 posts
 
latenitecity, I have only seen and heard the Feikert table (Woodpecker?) at a show several years ago.  It was a very beautiful table but my impression was that the wide drive belt was a little noisy.  Maybe the metal top plate was a little resonant; I don't know.

The demo also used a Jelco tonearm.  While the SA-750D is/was a good tonearm I would have expected something a little higher-end on this deck, considering the market position and price-point.

latenitecity OP
19 posts
 
Thanks, br3098. Not sure how long ago you heard the Woodpecker, but at some point the original model recieved a significant bearing upgrade and an upgraded platter as well.  Also, the model I heard had a Jelco TK-950L tone arm, which I understand punches well above its price point.   In any case, your feedback is much appreciated.
astewart8944
499 posts
 
@latenitecity I heard the Technics SL-1000R. It is $18K with tonearm. You may want to give this a listen if you haven't already. Speed is perfect. It plays the record at the exact right speed through every passage--even complex ones. The big problem is that you can't get the exact tonearm you want in the righthand position. You have to live with the Technics tonearm. It isn't bad, but there are better choices out there. You can also get the Technics SP-10R ($10K) and then add a bespoke plinth. Doing this gives you many more tonearm options in the righthand position. I'm running this path down right now.
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