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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
linn_kasa's avatar
linn_kasa
33 posts
 

@daveyf 

 

Thanks for your words of support.  Linn can not be all things to all people, so I understand why people have other preferences.  Please come visit if you are in the KC area.

nickofwimbledon
16 posts
 

This is another vote for the LP12 being a great turntable. There is much to

like about older models with a judiciously chosen upgrade or two, but the LP12s of 25+ years ago do not sound like those of today, so some perfectly good LP12s are fun but unashamedly imperfect, while others compete with high-end tables like those mentioned here. 
 

I still have my LP12, though I have heard a lot of other good tables in the May 30 years-it is only one of many good choices whether spending £3K on a low-spec and/or very second hand version or spending £15K+ plus on an uber-table. The ISP is probably that you can incrementally (and almost invisibly)!turn one into the other.

nickofwimbledon
16 posts
 

Sorry about the typos - old fingers, iPhone….

no_regrets
525 posts
 

I don't see a....."pathetic sort of wood base stapled together at the corners" here with my LP12.

fullsizeoutput_5f8c

 

Nor do I see... "The tiny little dink of a motor that I can stall with a Q tip" here either!

IMG_2695

 

The one on the left is my current swiss motor, the one on the right is from decades ago.  Huge difference!

As has been said many times and again... the LP12 has been updated and improved from the decades of old and is quite capable of reproducing very beautiful and emotionally engaging music.

And as long as I have finally figured out how to post photos on this forum, here a few pic's of the rest of my system.

My Wavestream Kinetics Deluxe Reference Level 5.1 all tube phono stage with outboard power supply...

fullsizeoutput_5f98

 

And a pic of the rest of this system that utilizes my LP12.  But when I really want to "make" music... take note of my cello and one of my trombones in the corner.

fullsizeoutput_5f8b

 

Wishing you all the very best,

Don

 

edcyn
1,876 posts
 

no_regrets

Love your cello! Love your set-up, too. Just like mine, if maybe a bit more "up-market."

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