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

12-17-2018 2:33pm
Interesting to compare the setups in the two factories!

"While recent sales of new turntables have been between 300 and 700 per year, Linn tells us the higher proportion of sales is attributed to upgrades. Owners can send their decades-old LP12 to the Linn factory to be upgraded to current day specification – yes, even those purchased over 40 years ago. www.whathifi.com/features/making-linn-sondek-lp12
With such a small yearly production, I am not surprised there are so few dealers and that Linn has taken over their distribution in the US.
Technics makes more turntables in two weeks than Linn makes in a year!
www.whathifi.com/features/the-making-of-technics-sl-1000r

To say that Gilad (the son of Linn’s founder) has no interest in their LP12 tables is total nonsense. I went to an event last spring and listened to Gilad and another team member do a 30 min presentation (the first in the world) on the new Karousel bearing. These guys exhibited excitement and passion for this thing. It was all they talked about. I got to talk to him for like ten mins afterword. Very cool guy!

They had two Klimax level LP12s which were identical except the one had the new Karousel. Played through Exakt Akubarik speakers. The sound was amazing. Way out of my price league but still. The new bearing did bring much to the table. I also listened to several other tables at this invite only event in the $20K range and I preferred the Linn. 

@photomax +1.  Unfortunately, like many threads about the LP12, there are always a lot of folks who have no issue with posting--total nonsense! Doesn't stop them from putting their 2 cents in nonetheless.

As the originator of this thread, I’d like to inform everyone that I did purchase an LP-12 for $2300,00. My friend came over with the Linn and we played the same albums on the Marantz tt15 and the Linn, with the Hana SL cartridge. The difference in bass, warmth and detail was obvious. Except for the Technics, no one else really came up with viable alternative for $2300.00. I’m thinking of buying a Techncs in the future for my Denon DL103.
I’ve playing Albums continuously, since.
Thanks for everyone’s comments. I’d also be interested in Learning about successful Linn upgrades.

@coachpoconnor  Good to hear that you acquired a nice Linn LP12.
As to upgrades, the next upgrade for your table would be the bearing, going from the Cirkus to the new Karousel. The bearing is probably the most important part of the TT.