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

Yes - It is that good.
I sold Linn in the mid 70's and also Ariston.
Do you want to know why Ariston looks like Linn???
It basically is a Linn.
Ariston parts are largely "cosmetically" rejected Linn parts.
We looked at several Ariston platters - looks just like Linn - but the "balancing weights" needed to be re-machined.
You don't see that on a linn.
The wooden plinth on the Aristons - if you look closely - is not flawless like the Linn is.

The Linn philosophy is bizarre, but it works.
If you tighten everything "white nuckle tight" like Linn says - it WILL sound better than if you dont.
Also - if the suspension is not set up PERFECTLY - it could even sound bad.
It's an extremely difficult turntable to set up - it can be close to an all day effort if done correctly.

Maybe the Linn's have a better bearing - or the "prime picks", so you might be better off with the Linn.
I'm not sure if the Linn upgrades work on the Ariston, 30 years is too long ago to remember.

I now have a Basis Turntable. I'm not sure which is better.

In 1980 I had a LP-12, Syrinx arm and Fidelity Research cartridge.
That was by far the best source I ever had.
Now I have the Basis 1400, RB-900 and Benz LO-4 cartridge and I feel it is no where near as good.

In my mind I somehow think that the Syrinx / FR combo is what I am missing, but maybe the LP-12 played a big part in that.

Everyone I know who owned a Linn loved it. You would probably be the same. Just remember all those bizarre set-up rituals REALLY DO make a very big difference, even if they do not maks sense

Steve

Holmejr,

You don't want to upgrade from the Ittok unless you are spending a lot of money. It's a killer arm.

Rotary,

I still have my old FR cartridge from the day. What wonderful products FR made!

the cost effectiveness of the upgrade itself. Genesis audio here in So Cal quoted $2418.00 for the Lingo/Cirkus upgrade installed. For that and a grand I have a new (not nescessarily better) VPI Scoutmaster w/upgraded arm. I've had no opp's of auditioning either the upgraded Linn or the VPI. I'm just sucking up as much info as possible before buying blindly.

holmejr@cox.net
If you have not read Salvatore's comments on the Linn here http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Tables.html, I stongly urge you to do so. I came to the same conclusion about the Linn long before I discovered his site. Nevertheless, this does not mean you should not keep your Linn. It is a musical table and, if you like its characteristic sound, you may not be happy switching to the Scoutmaster (or any other tt for that matter). If you are interested in continuing this discussion, please email me.

Holmejr, I concur with Lugnut about the Ittok arm. Had one on my deck since '83 and I'm running an Akiva on it now. Sounds excellent.

Again, the Circus upgrade is a big one cutting your surface noise in half and improving detail resolution.

An option, the Lingo shows up used on A'gon from time to time without the table. Cheers!