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?

markcooperstein

@daveyf

"because IF you had done this you would not be posting the drivel that you do!"

 

"Drivel", is that how you feel about your constant need to defend your beloved LP12?

Seriously? 

 

Well then, perhaps you could suggest to us exactly how we should go about making that all important comparison between vintage and new LP12s?

Right now it appears tough enough to get to hear any LP12 of any vintage.

[You wouldn't just happen to know of any accomodating dealers now, would you?]

Me, I can't ever recall even seeing one at a show.

 

Linn, unlike Thorens, Rega, Roksan, Pro-Ject and quite a few others have never seemed to have had any interest in demonstrating their turntable as far as I know.

Perhaps they don't travel too well?

Or could it be the hours and hours of delicate setup that's the issue?

Or maybe it's the lack of specialist personnel, and their hourly rates that's the real problem here?

 

Whatever it is, this unseemly reticence on the part of Linn does seem strange when I can remember one London show where we got to see the fabled Continuum Caliburn turntable complete with its out of the world stand.

A little odd, don't you think?

You'd think Linn would be super keen to show off all of their mega expensive 50 year 'improvements', wouldn't you?

Or could it be that they feel they don't need to when they have such good stalwarts such as yourself to act as keepers of their flame.

@markcooperstein , I owned two of them back in the late 70's. Back then they were the best turntable you could get at a reasonable price. Compared to many turntables made today they are archaic and a PITA. There are many sources of resonance in the chassis and tonearm board. The overall construction in second class. The Sota Sapphire is miles ahead of it as are SME tables, Basis tables and Avid tables. The Thorens 1600 is a better table for the money.

@cd318  Since it appears you are in the UK, all you have to do is go over to visit Peter Swain at Cymbiosis and he will be only too pleased to show you the numerous LP12's that he has. If you cannot be bothered to do that, and instead want to continue with the drivel posts...well it is saying a lot!

 

@mijostyn  Yes, we know the last time that you owned the LP12 was in the 70's...and are 100% sure that nothing has changed since then, LOL.

@daveyf  All they have done is make a burlap sack out of a silk purse. It has become a caricature, a joke. You can never turn a bad execution into a good one. It is a waste of money trying.

@mijostyn  And you would know this how??? The last time you owned the table was in the 70's...which says it all!