2. analog
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Any experience with the new Linn Sondek upgrades?

The new arm seems monstrously priced since I just managed to do my upgrade three years ago. It was worth it but another five grand seems nuts. Perhaps the base upgrade at half that provides more benefit per kilo-buck, and it more in line with their theory that the platter comes first. Its gonna take me another three years before I can squirrel away that much if the new arm is that big an improvement.
aceto
pbb
1,140 posts
 
Price is a marketing tool. There is more demand. Competitors are asking ridiculous prices, so why not send some money to Scotalnd!.
kinsekd
252 posts
 
I went the whole nine yards on the upgrade, the Keel, the Ekos SE and a new Akiva cartridge for good measure. Threw in a Cirkus II while they were at it. Was it expensive? Absolutely! Did it make a huge difference? You betcha. The improvement in low level detail was absolutely amazing. And the noise floor was significantly reduced. Highly recommended if you can afford it.
newmanoc
295 posts
 
I have what up until earlier this year would have been called a maxed out LP12. It has been a great table for me, but I have no plan at all to upgrade to the Ekos SE from my Ekos II. I am considering the Keel, but I'm not at all sure I'll plunge.

Eventhough the Keel is a remarkable sonic improvement, at 3k it is simply overpriced. After all, 3K will buy a fine second turntable (say an Origin Live Resolution or a used Michell Orb, if I'm lucky), and I've always like the idea of owning more than one table anyway.

Without realizing it, I think Linn is undermining their customer base with current pricing. They are leading even the faithful to conclude perhaps they have ridden the Scottish train far enough and it may be time to check out the other lines.
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