Linn Sondek Hype


So, it seems after reading a few threads there is something of a prejudice against the sondek. Well after now owning one I am not sure that it is warranted, to say it simply, I am in love. I mean wow, just plain old floored. Of course I also have Mcintosh equipment, so I am used to reading how horrible my stuff is. I am just wondering if the little table from Ikea is really a viable table for the Linn. I got a great deal on the Linn, but I am now broke, so cheap suggestions only.
gsxr750ccs
Use your Dual 1229 amd chuck the Linn. :) Man, if only I had half of the money that I poured into that table in upgrades. I was never really happy with my Linn, it seemed that I was always doing some new tweek to improve performance. By the way, I am a huge Mcintosh fan and at one time had a Mr78, C29 and a MC-2300. No complaints. The Linn is a nice enough table, but silly problems began to creep up. Speed control, too fast then too slow, then death. Motors, my goodness, those stinking little gutless motors don't last. I went through three. Power supplies anyone? Belts? Bearing upgrades (well Norman, you didn't tell me that you listen to solo piano music, so that is why your LP12 sounds muddled, you need the Cirkus Bearing upgrade! We can accomdate you for only $$$$$) In any event I think I ended up selling my Linn for about $1100.. (it looked new) I had around $8000 into it. Couldn't stomach another upgrade or tweek. Your in my prayers man.
Norman
Normansizemore, I'm sorry you had such troubles with your Linn. Mine has the Origin Live DC motor/power supply upgrade which only cost just over $600. This is as far as I need to go to get great unmuddled sound. My arm is just the Basik LV X with a Grado Ref. Sonata cartridge. I'm very pleased. I think the best thing I did was to get an inexpensive Nitty Gritty to clean the vinyl, along with the AIVS fluids, and the Zerostat.
to answer the OP, yes the ikea lack is a viable option but mods (cheap) needed. specifically spiking it... search the forums and you shall find! when i have more time will get you the links...

Nicholas
Abucktwoeighty, that's what I started with! And you don't need to be sorry, I am happy now and listening every day with no problems. Oh, and I liked the Basik tonearm, my Basik had a removeable headshell so I think it was the Basik Plus. I replaced it a couple of times and ended up keeping a Grace 747 on it. I used my turntable nearly every day, so my motor and original powersupply didn't last any time at all. I am thinking less then two years when I replaced them the first time. Don't waste your money on the Cirkus bearing upgrade, the original bearing is just fine. I have heard that the older Linns were more reliable than those from the late 80's and 90's. Mine was 1989.
I had a time a while back where I thought of selling my Linn and getting a VPI as I was mostly ocencerns about the footfall and adjustment issues inherent to the LP12. I have solved the footfall issues and have, after closer examination, come to realize that the "majic" of re-adjustment are infact myth. I love the sound of the TT and plan to keep it. I also have Mcintosh and have heard for years from people that tell me "oh it's horrible, Oh it's ugly" etc. Well to them I say "eat a bug!" I love it and will continue to buy it. One thing is when I trade up it is easily sold. Funny how a market exists for a company approaching 60 yrs in the business can be so "horrible"!
As far as mounting the LP12 I have it firmly braced to the wall and it sits on 3 Aurios and that has how I solved the footfall. The biggest problem I have with the LP12 is that my job restricts the time I get to listen to it.