Linn LP12......That good??

Linn Sondek Lp12 is that good.
And when you consider the seemingly endless upgrade path it is not a bad way to go. I have had a Linn Lp12 deck since '83 and have upgraded along the way like Lugnut. Do I think about changing decks? Not really. I listen to a lot of other tables and then I come back home to the Linn. You would have to pry it from my cold dead hands. Are there better decks? Sure! But for me the Walker Audio Proscenium Gold Signature is out of reach and would show up the Linn but at three to ten times the price depending on upgrades… I guess it's all where you want to go with it. There are a lot of great tables out today; in 1983 the Linn was arguably one of the best with the most promising future so I spent my money and wisely. Cheers!

illenema1: The high-endaudio.com guy (Arthur Salvatore) is full of hot air and VERY dubious opinions, at least as judged by my ears. Anyone who takes what this guy says as credible without verifying it with personal experience is a fool. Sorry to be so blunt, but it is simply true.

Now on to the broader point. As people have said, you really can't talk about an LP12 without specifying *what* LP12 you are talking about, e.g., what power supply (Lingo, Valhalla, Basik), what bearing (cirkus/non-cirkus), and of course what arm. The other thing to keep in mind is that these are not "plug and play" devices. How they sound varies radically depending on whether or not they are set up properly.

My own theory about the number of LP12 detractors is that many of them have only heard older tables, and often ones that have been poorly set up at that. If you plan to buy a used table on ebay, set it up yourself in your home , and then just start to spin records without giving the matter any more attention, you are probably much better off buying a Rega. Unless you are a talented analog geek with a lot of LP 12 experience - take a bow Pat (Lugnut) - it is going to be sonically miles away from what it can and should sound like. Most of us need a Linn dealer or Linn tech to make these things sing, especially if it is older and has been sitting in someone’s closet for the past ten years.

Narrod, thanks for your comments. A man who owns and uses 4 different tables has opinions that need to be heard!

Best Linn combo?...Lp12, Ekos, Circus, Lingo, Akiva.

Thanks guys for the information, i want to buy the Linn once with any of the important upgrades already installed.
How are the bearings in the Linns, is that something to be carefull of?

The Linn Bearng has been one of its strong points.