Linn LP-12 compared to TW Acustic, SME, Nottingham

Dg
I owned a Linn, purchased new from about 1982 and used it up until 2001.
I am familiar with SME and the Acustic Raven however these tables are far more expensive then a Linn.

My memory of my well maintained Linn is that a entry level VPI table came close to the Linns performance except with vocals and acoustic instruments.The Linn is definitely more natural sounding.
However the little VPI had a lot more meat on the bone from the lower mid range on down, which listening to some types of music I felt were more engaging.

Keep an eye on that link you posted.

Good post Stilskin, a very reasonable and honest, and fairly objective evaluation of the relative merits of the 2 decks.

Thank you Headsnappin, this is the reality of the Linn now a days including some other brands.

Though I would take a 45 year old refurbished Garrard 301 in a heart beat....

Everybody has a Linn and they are common.

But not many listen to their LP12 with a Lingo which it really needs to keep up with the more modern TT. Name me a modern TT that does not have an outboard PS? Not many.

The LP12 with the Lingo is very emotionally satisfying. VPI and Basis may have a heavier sound, but IMO can be pretty boring emotionally. The LP12 has a lively presentation that music should have.

I am thinking about the Keel at the moment which will make it really modern, with less of that filmsy feel that the standard sub-chassis has always been criticized for.

Obviously YMMV as usual.

Somewhere on the Analog Discussion site there is a long, long thread on the highly related issue of whether the LP12 can be compared with or can compete with the best of modern tts. Try the search engine. You have hours of reading ahead of you.