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why do people think the LINN LP 12 is so superior to the Thorens (say 165 super)

I don't think LINN people are snobs, but I think they are very passionate about their TTs and are convinced that what they own is the better of the two.

AR invented the 3 point suspension + belt system, Thorens ran with it, then LINN saw it and made their own tweeks in scotland. 

I happen to own a Thorens 160td that I picked up for $50 which freed up some $$ to play with it, A little dampening here, a thicker bottom plate there, Cone feet, Sumuko pearl stylus. To me, it sounds great. 

When my LINN-owning friends visit, they make comments like "when are you going to step up and buy a LINN?"

Now maybe they are just joking around, like the chevy owner razzing the ford owner, but I don't think so. I think they really believe LINN is superior. 

Why?
robvolz
jc4659
550 posts
 
Why don't you do a shoot out and settle it? You may find that they sound different with some preferring the Thorens and some the Linn.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Thoren, TD145-166 a lot were made or the 121 or 124 are all better. Tons of parts too.. I sure like the way the 121 and 124 look in a heavy plinth. SQ.. very special with a 9 or 12" arm and quiet.. 

You can't tell what I like can ya? :-)

Regards
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
The Linn is not superior in any way. I have owned two of them. There was a time when it was the best turntable you could buy. It developed a following and the mythology blossomed around it. None of it is deserved. All it is is an upgrade AR XA. Ed Villchur should get all the credit for the design.  It is old hat in a big way. The "upgrades" are beyond silly but, Linn made a pile off the LP12 and jumpstarted an entire company off it. Good for them. 
The Thorens is just as good and a much better value. 
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,871 posts
 
Perhaps your friends are suggesting that you listen to a well spec’ed Linn from recent times ( NOT 30-40 years old, which is what the naysayers are referring to, and the last time that they MAYBE listened to, or owned, the LP12!) and decide for yourself.
ghdprentice
6,963 posts
 
I have a contemporary Linn LP12 with a Koetsu Rosewood Signature replacing my VPI Aries / Van den Hull Frog and it is a tremendous turntable. Any piece of equipment that has been upgraded for many decades is going to get comments about earlier versions. It is a very fine turntable.
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