Upgrade old LP12 or buy a new table??

My thought is that updating the LP12 would be more cost effective. I think you would have to spend more than the updating cost in order to get the same level of performance from a new table. Although it is true that the LP12 is an old table, Linn keep it up to current spec if you take the upgrade mods they provide over time.

I believe that Linn are finalizing a major upgrade to the base and armboard. I think it's called the Keel, but I'm not sure of the details. Somebody else may be able to provide more information. If that is the case, you might want to hang on a bit to see what its about and what it might cost.

Dear bryan: I agree with Herman about the Linn up grade and I can add that you most to change the tonearm too for a second hand Ekos or Naim Aro and the cartridge that mates well with either of these tonearms.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Bryans, I agree with the suggestions to upgrade your LP 12. Not only is Linn coming out with a major upgrade to their subchassis and armboard, but Funk Firm has some after market carbon fiber upgrades to the subchassis as well as a new DC motor and power supply. Art Dudley has reviewed the funked upgrade in the last 2 issues of Stereophile and reported a more musical turntable. It sounds as if most of the critisisms leveled against the LP12 have been addressed. Good luck with your journey.

As a former LP12 owner, I'll disagree with the above. The LP12 design stood the test of time until the late 90's but has been surpassed by many new models since then. The VPI Scout series being just three of them. Linn has never been known for "value for money" and I think it's incorrect to say that the upgrades will be less money.

Have a listen to the VPI models and see what you think with your own ears before making the decision. I'm ecstatic with my Scoutmaster/SDS.

Bryans,
Sounds as though you’re in pretty good shape. Maybe a visit to your Linn dealer for a tune up and have the Valhalla board checked out. Most all the comments to save the Lp12 and upgrade are with merit IMHO as it is a matter of what you can get for the money that will sound this good.

I would suggest a new Akiva cartridge by Linn. It is manufactured by Scan-tech who also offer the Lyra line of their own and indeed the Akiva is a well suited cartridge for your deck and arm. It is an obvious match. If you do not, you will need a competent phono amp. Linn’s Linto phono stage is excellent and the quietist phono amp I have ever heard. Linn has offered a handsome trade value on old Arkiv/Arkiva trade ins to the tune of about 1100.00 USD toward a Akiva. I went this route a couple of years ago by picking up an old Arkiv B on ebay for about 200.00 USD for trade with my dealer and have not regretted it for one minute since. Check out Stereophile’s Art Dudley review of this cartridge in which he makes the comments that it is one of the quietist cartridges for record surface noise that he has ever heard and if he could only have a monogamous relationship with phono cartridges for his Lp12, this (Akiva) would be the one to spend the rest of his days with. I would concur.

Linn upgrades to the Lp12 from Glasgow are said to becoming. My opinion is that the cost is outrageous and not competitive in the market place, not like upgrades in their past. Talk of a 5000.00 USD aluminum billeted replacement for the wood surround that we all have and thousands more for a new sub-chassis of some undisclosed material composite, and a refresh of the existing Ekos arm with even tighter tolerances and a material change on the arm tube, again for thousands more, doesn’t sound like anything I’ll be investing in.

I have had my Linn Sondek Lp12 since 1983 and still find it both competitive and a value today. Happy Listening!