Linn Bedrok LP12 Plinth Upgrade

The simple description of the process of manufacturing basic plywood is: glue very thin layers of wood "under extreme pressure and heat to create an entirely new, solid and massive material."

I'm waiting to actually see one of these new plinths in person. The "orthogonal layering" description has piqued my curiosity, as I'm wondering if the layers of beech are interwoven, interlocking, or merely stacked. I'm confident the layers are at alternating angles.

So, it remains to be seen: plywood or unobtainium?!?

Looking at the new Bedrok plinth, it is a somewhat complex inner shape with several areas milled out. Linn have also countersunk metal fasteners into the areas where the various mounting screws attach. The price asked includes a new stainless top plate, this time with a very slight rounded corner. Nonetheless, the top plate is for all and intends exactly the same as the current stock Linn top plate, with the very slight exception of the tiny radiuses at the corners…

I’m sure the Bedrok will sound good, question is whether it will sound $11k good??

@lewm

You shouldn’t be shocked at the price of the standard Klimax LP12. If you take account of cartridges and phono stages, it’s about the same as the cost of a Technics SL-1000R.

Second hand Klimax LP12s are cheaper, just like other turntables. I bought one last year for a fraction of the cost new including upgrading to current spec.

The Klimax LP12 sounds absolutely superb even without the Bedrok. No one is holding a gun to anyone’s head making them do the upgrade.

The choice between the Klimax LP12 and other turntables at the same price level such as the SL-1000R is a matter of personal taste and preference. It’s probably not a good idea to make it on the basis of ideology.

I knew the Bedrok upgrade was going to be out of reach for me when I bought the turntable, but never say never.

@daveyf 

That’s a question that each person can only answer for themselves, assuming they can afford it and have auditioned it. There’s no universal absolute value on sound quality.

The price in today's high end audio arena for a Klimax LP12 is ( and I'm afraid to say this), on the lower part of the curve! The trend is for more and more manufacturer's to see how high the consumer will go, before they say...no mas. 

As we all know, there are plenty of turntables, most without arms or cartridges, that are priced in the $80-$300K arena. Pretty soon, we will be looking at a table priced at $1M...and then who knows??