Linn LP12 turntable

@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!

@yoyoyaya 

I guess the further you are from Glasgow, the less likely you are to return a unit for repair!  Linn's early market was the UK and that Stereophile article is itself over 30 years old.

Strangely, an inverse law seems to hold for Scotch.  The further you are from Scotland, the lower the price.  Another good reason to live in Australia ...

I have tried many TT from a Project to a Clearaudio Emotion and finally a Linn LP12.  Mine is a 1988 vintage with a corner braced plinth.  It has the Cirkus bearing, Hercules II PS, an Akito l tonearm w/Adikt cartridge, Trampoline ll, and a few other minor bits.  I am in it for just under $2K.  I had it setup by a Linn dealer after it shipped to my home.  I will say it sounds fantastic and doesn't leave e wanting anything more.  Based on what upgrades yours may have it sounds like a good buy.