Linn LP12 turntable

The Linn LP 12 in its various declinations is a great turntable. Its sound is warm, musical, and rich in detail (obviously a lot depends on the cartridge used, the better it is and the better the positive result will be). It is, in my opinion, a turntable that can give great emotions! I am currently using an SME turntable that has been giving me great satisfaction for many years. For me the only alternative could be the Linn LP 12 ... on the other hand the British sound has truly set a precedent.
Having said that, what can I recommend ... if you can, certainly get it and then eventually improve it little by little with its upgrades. But in the meantime, organize a perfect calibration by a certified Linn expert ... it is essential!

Kind regards

Alessandro Catalano

ericba

l first heard the LP12 in the early days at a demonstration room in Laskys Tottenham Court Road, London in the early 1980s. A v B tests with a Systemdek lll turntable. I can’t be sure of exactly what arms or cartridges but they were identical.

A few preferred the Linn…..bass bloomy reproduction and others preferred the neutral cleaner bass of the Systemdek.
I stayed for a while and listened again. Only one customer made a positive decision that day and bought the Systemdek.

I remembered this and years later (1990s) l bought a second hand Systemdek lll from a local guy for £150 and I still have it today. Never needed to be modified, is still totally original except for changes of MM cartridges and has remained my number two deck. It has never needed recalibration and just plays on…….

l did by the way prefer the Systemdek over the Linn at Laskys.

Pleased it proved to be value for money and a keeper.

@signaforce

I see you’re thinking about changing to a piano black plinth.

My wife insisted I do that last year because she doesn’t like the retro look of the fluted rosewood. It didn’t make any difference to the sound, but it sure looks good. I can post before and after photos if they are any help.

There’s an argument to be made that it would be better to keep the money to spend on upgrades that do improve the sound quality.

However, there is another option that my dealer didn’t tell me about until it was too late. You could get an old plinth sprayed with piano black lacquer. That may necessitate acquiring a second hand non-fluted plinth, but should still work out cheaper than ordering a new one from Linn. You may find that your dealer has a suitable old plinth lying around gathering dust.

@awise1961 A very interesting observation, in that you own both but prefer your LP12 over your P10. If you don’t mind sharing, why specifically does your LP12 bring you more joy?

The LP12 with the AEON 3 has that midrange bliss with very good bass and upper end detail that suits my ears well. My other setups are wonderful as well with the P10 providing more detail and still great bass. The Rega RB1000 is a great tonearm. I like the LP12's Lingo 3 power supply. My TT power supplies get installed behind the door in a salamander cabinet. When I want to pause the LP12, I use the swith on the TT itself. With the Rega, there is no such swith on the TT. You have to press a button on the power supply which means opening the cabinet door and first moving any LP's which may be waiting in the wings in front of it.

I'm listening to Steely Dan Gaucho via the LP 12 as I write this and it is beautiful 

The rest of my system consists of a Conrad Johnson TEA3 phono stage into a CJ GAT S1 preamp into CJ LP276M tube monoblocks into Wilson Alexia speakers. Al cabling is Audience Front Row. This all resides in a dedicated listening room which measures 23' X 25' with a vaulted ceiling. 

In this system, for me, the LP12 is very musical.

Your system will possibly invoke a different outcome.

@newton_john Would love to see before & after. Thanks!

@awise1961 Very nice system, turntables & cartridges!! I don’t have the power supply issues, but nice to know I could hide the Lingo! Sounds like I could not go wrong either way. Thanks!