IMHO, basically polishing a turd for 50 years. And yes, I've owned one and have worked on several others.
Thoughts on the Linn LP12 turntable
I don’t see many discussions that include the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable and was wondering why? They’ve been around since the late 70’s and other then power supply and a few other minor changes (IMO) are relatively unchanged. I had one in the early 80’s and another in the late 90’s. They are somewhat finicky to get setup correct and once you do, they sound great. That being said I know there have been a lot better designs to come out since the LP12’s hey-day. Are they worth considering anymore or has the LP12 just become another audio vintage collectors item?
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@mapman +1 |
BTW I’m not dumping on the Linn. Nor saying the AR -- as is -- is great. But the basic design of the AR may be superior - if the key parts are upgraded. The inter-locking pieces of the spindle/center/platter than cancel resonances is magic. but you need a new bearing and thrust doohickey (various types). The arm was crap. The motors were only "decent" 60 years ago, and parts unobtanium. Mine has all those machined and fixed. My LP12 OTOH is far from latest. Maybe 15-20 years old. So the latest motor control, latest arm boards (far more rigid and dead) are not part of the package. And yet it too is musical in its way - but less dynamic than the AR and less detail too. Or at least mine, as it stands today. But those who have not heard a proper AR are missing a great. At least for the money invested, which including arm, subchassis, bearing, motor, motor power supply, cart/bah blah is probably $1k-$1300 all in. Some assembly required. An LP 12 setup like mine can be found, used, in good condition for $1100-$1700 too. Or could be when i picked up mine, mostly as a spare.
And lets face it - tables are only as good as setup and few have the time, patience and skill to set them up right, so much is academic. |
Well, my perspective of Linn is different from all those who put down the LP12. I’m sure at the klimax level and cost there are better and worst sounding table, being more or less expensive. I have a LP12 since 1982 and paid 1400$ canadian $...At that time this was fair considering the low CAN$ value. In the 30 plus years I had that turntable it is pretty much amortise so I would consider value at 0$. I have bought a Kore sub, and a Karousel bearing. Total cost 2200$. Well for 2200$ I basicaly have a new turntable at a much superior sound level that what I had. Don’t know what I could have bought for that price and if it would have sounded better. Honestly I don’t care. Very please with my 2200$ Linn. Could not have done that with my old Technic or TD125. Now have a LP12 kore ittok karousel. added a used lingo in the 90. Almost at Akurate level for not much money. Would I pay 10000$ today for a Akurate Linn....no I don’t have those funds. But 2000$ to bring mine to a second life,,,yes I was lucky to have bought a LP12 in the early 80,s.
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