Is a Linn Sondek LP12/Lingo/Ekos with a Cirkus update, the last turntable I’ll ever buy?

@daveyf ,

’There really isn’t any question that the Linn LP12 today is a superior table from any version from the 80’s or even 6/7 years ago!’


Linn have been spinning that guff for decades, and decades. Every few years it is claimed that some new improvement is found.

If so, then why not compare the current with the previous?

Basically, whichever way you care to spin it, the current Linn is just slightly better engineered version of Edgar Villchur’s pioneering 1962 AR Turntable.

Same 3 point suspended suspension, same belt drive, and same platter.

Is there anything even remotely original about the Linn?

@cd318  Your post should perhaps conclude with this: IMHO.
Your 'opinion' is as stated, although I think you could say what you did about all turntables. In your humble opinion, Linn has been spinning the same 'guff for decades and decades'. In your opinion, the current Linn is 'just slightly better engineered version of Edgar Villchur's pioneering 1962 AR turntable"...and in your opinion, it has the same 3 point suspended suspension, same belt drive, and same platter....
In my humble opinion ( IMHO), you have not heard or seen a current Linn LP12 Klimax. Interestingly, on a recent Linn webinar, I asked why there are so many 'naysayers' about their product on line. Why Linn never bothered to rebut these folks?...the answer was this..there are always 'opinions' on the web, what good would it do to rebut these 'arm chair quarterbacks'---- so very apropos, all of course IMHO.

I as the OP would like to hear from the folks that don’t like Linn turntables, what other tables besides Technics which I think sells for about $1000,00 would be a better table than the Linn LP-12. Any other Concrete suggestions New or Used?

as far as the technics tables, you will have a hard time finding a table that is as true to the source for the money than the Technics. If you like coloration, by all means most belt drives will give you that softer warmer presentation. However, if what you are looking for is what is really in the grooves, the Technics tables will get you pretty close. I honestly could never go back to a belt drive design asa main table after hearing the Technics. Maybe an Idler drive is more of a compromise and they can sound fantastic, but most are older and may need a little tender loving care.

Davey, I don’t know how Linn could rebut what is after all nothing but a dissenting opinion in the first place. So they are wise to keep mum. Their products represent the sum total of a set of opinions first formulated by Tiefenbrun.