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pre-Cirkus LP12 or ClearAudio Performance CMB

Hi,

I am new to Vinyl and had been having great time with Linn Axis, but it's about time to move up. Have listened to my friend's pre-Cirkus, Vahalla, Ittok LVII -equipped LP12, so I know how it sounds like - easy Linn sound, which I like. It seems to me that, for the price of this configuration, perhaps a little bit more, I could get an used/demo Clearaudio Performance CMB, but I've not heard it. The major debate of LP-12 for me is hassles of constant calibration, and age of equipment (I am planing to keep either choice for the next 15+ yrs without major upgrade). Any suggestion is much appreciated.
gxleetw
headsnappin's avatar
headsnappin
295 posts
 
Once the LP12 is setup properly it does NOT need constant calibration.
theo's avatar
theo
2,662 posts
 
I'd get the LP12. you mention wanting to keep it. The LP12 allows you many upgrades and as mentioned by headsnappin, once it is set up "correctly" it is good for years of service. I have had my LP12 for a couple of years now and after a spell of thinking I wanted a different table. I could not find anything local that made me change. One of those I looked at was the clearaudio performance and it just didn't do it for me.
gxleetw OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for your replies. Theo, could you elaborate a little bit more on why ClearAudio performance is not for you? You mean sonically it is substantially inferior? In my life so far I've only heard three TTs: my current Linn Axis, LP12, and non-upgraded SL-1200 which is not even within consideration. Before I listened to LP-12, I didn't even know vinyl can sound so good. Now I am convinced of LP-12's capability, but what I keep wondering is how other companies are doing considering the advances in material sciences and all that in the past decades. Keep reading that LP-12 with all that upgrades e.g. Keels, Ekos,can easily be on par with or even outperform those multi grands tables, but that's not what I shoot for - and I don't intend to play that upgrade game. My question is really that, if Clearaudio Performance CMB, or VPI, around 1.5~2K range, can be sonically in the same league with pre-Cirkus LP-12 with Ittok. Too bad in my area there seems to be no place to listen them in person...or perhaps it's just I was born 30 years too late :)
redhunter
8 posts
 
I have a pre cirkus LP12/Ittok and can vouch for the fact that it does not need constant fettling. I bought mine from Ebay 4 years ago, set it up as per internet advice and it has sounded amazing ever since. I have used 4 different cartridges and am currently using an AT33PTG. This outperforms my 2 CD players easily on most things including dynamics, presence and punch and i really do not feel the need to upgrade. I would say that if you like the Linns character then go for it. If you need something more neutral then it may not work for you. Good luck with whatever you choose.
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