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

@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.

@richardbrand. I'm not that far from Glasgow. But glad to know that Scotch is cheap down under - it certainly isn't in my neck of the woods - proving your scotch theory :))

@ alessandrocat - SME and Linn's turntables are the proverbial chalk and cheese when it comes to sonics. If you love your SME then I very much doubt you would like an LP12.