Linn LP12 turntable


I was in my favorite audio store yesterday talking turntables… Rega P10, MoFi MasterDeck etc, when he stated he had a Linn LP12 he was selling for a customer at $2,400 & the customer had $14K (with upgrades) into it. Intriguing, but knew nothing about Linn. After my research, people seem to love it or hate it. But it is installed in many fine audiogon systems. 
I would like your thoughts and recommendations. 
I have asked the following questions of the dealer: 

1. Date of production 

2. Upgrades that have been added 

3. Power supply / tone arm

4. Condition 

5. Recently serviced

I have not yet seen it, but it is there now. What other questions should I ask?

My current analog system: 

Pro-ject 1xpression carbon classic with Hana ML

Rega Aria

PS Audio BHK pre

Simaudio Moon 330A amp

KEF R11’s

Advise would be greatly appreciated. 

128x128signaforce

As always, it helps to RTFM (read the manual).  Linn has an excellent one for the LP12.  In particular it stresses that the LP12 should stand on a lightweight surface, such as a light coffee table.  If wall mounted, the shelf should be low mass.

The Linn is a low mass design with long-travel springs.  Its resonant frequency is very low, but if teemed with a massive stand which itself absorbs energy and resonates around the same frequency, the two resonances can reinforce.

@richardbrand   The Linn LP12 can work well with a Trampolin 2 base on a heavier stand. I use mine atop a Sound Anchor stand that is quite heavy. The stand does sit on spikes that sit on a concrete floor. I have 'AB'ed the table on a lightweight low stand and on the SA stand, there was minimal difference, with my preference for the higher SA stand. I did try an expensive HRS isolation platform beneath the table, with negative results...due to what you mentioned in your last sentence. 

signaforce,

I made that comment based on you're getting the Linn with all the upgrades.

It's at a level that warrants spending on a nice cart /phonstage

Rega Aria appears to get good reviews and a top rating for its price point.

A decent tube phono stage can add another layer of presentation that even the better SS can't replicate.

Of course, YMMV

@daveyf 

I think we are in furious agreement!  The Linn aluminium Trampolin base acts like a lightweight coffee table.  It does not really matter what the coffee table stands on - could be a concrete ground slab or a suspended wooden floor.

My comments were more aimed at those who are accustomed to massive set ups which might not have or need compliant suspensions to absorb unwanted vibrations.

As an aside, I am modifying the plinth for my Garrard 301 so it can either behave as a massive plinth, or have the table board suspended as Garrard intended.

I have an LP12. A well configured LP12 is a delight -- lovely, musical sound, a pleasure to use. Because it can be upgraded on a modular basis, the key question is what upgrades it has. The Lingo power supply, particularly the Lingo 4, is key. Valhalla ps is a negative. Also, the arm should be the Ittok LVII at the earliest. I plan to get Kore soon, but think the table sounds good now. I guess the ability to upgrade annoys some people, but I like that I can take the table up to true reference level in steps. Meanwhile, it sounds great. The table in my other system is a fully rehabbed Thorens 124 with a nice SME arm and SPU cart and I never feel like the Linn with my Hana ML gives up much in the musicality department. If it really has $14k in even relatively recent upgrades, it's probably a great table. Sounds great mounted on a simple wall shelf IMHO if you have footfall issues (I did).