Linn LP12 turntable

Actually I also read something on other forums ... and I, even though I am a fan of SME, I can't understand why. The Sondek LP 12 was, is and will be a great turntable, built in a maniacal way, that only the British can do, and that sounds very very good with a romantic sound. Maybe the reason is that they can't afford it?!?! Maybe I'm too evil????

Regads

Alessandro

@alessandrocat   Don't get me wrong, there are always a number of Linn detractors on all audio forums, including this one. The table seems to polarize folk into a position. Most times I notice that those who have the strongest negative opinions also have the least experience with the LP12. 

The discussions of the Linn remind me of discussions surrounding Leica M series cameras. Particularly "The Leica Look". I have a full Nikon and Fuji stable and took the plunge a number of years ago and bought a Leica M10. Like high end audio, assessing the character of photos is a highly complex endeavor and because of the high cost of the body and lenses gets those that can’t afford them up in arms.

After a year or so of photography with my M10 I was slowly able to zero in on the differences... subtle but really important differences. The lenses are simply superb and designed to be used wide open... very different. But the foundation of the Leica Look is in the body and is very much similar to many really good audio systems. Leica, Instead of emphasizing the ends of the visual light... the light and dark... they perform exceptionally well in the mid-tones to dark tones... bring incredible nuance to the whole spectrum... bring out the emotion (if you know how to use the camera). It is the same kind emotional connection I get with a really good tube audio (/Linn) system ... which is often denied by folks that cannot afford them.

I was surprised to find once I learned to explain the difference how many Leica owners jumped on and agreed that I had successfully put my finger on the magic.

Audiophilia is a complex system. Every listener is different with different musical tastes and different gear in different environments. Taking the LP12 alone, there are a very many different permutations of components.

Like in politics, people demand simple responses to complex issues. They join cults and vote for bull in the china shop demagogues to get them. Like with getting Brexit done, you can see the appeal of just buying a Technics SL-1200 and forgetting about the turntable forever.

Yet, they can't just live and let live. It rankles them that a privileged minority might have found a better way. To justify their jealousy and anger, they resort to conspiracy theories about Linn "marketing'" built on myths and fables about Ivor forty or more years ago. Then, in the ultimate irony, they accuse the LP12 owners of being a cult.

Of course, first paragraph excluded, I'm not being entirely serious here. In reality, the LP12 is only a bloody turntable.