2. analog
  3. 1345479304

In Illinois, who can professionally set-up my Linn

I purchased a beautiful Linn Sondek LP12 with Cirkus, Valhalla, Ittok LVii Mk. II, new Linn arm board, Benz Micro Glider SL and original dust cover. I made a custom acrylic baseboard and purchased four spike stands for the plinth. The plinth was completely restored. I have a new belt and new suspension springs. I would like to have someone with the Linn tools and training to set-up the deck, check my cart alignment and get the most from this deck. It will likely be the last table I own as I have much invested in it and I like the sound as it sits. I contemplated a DC motor upgrade from Origin Live but opted to keep my upgraded Valhalla power supply. I went through the board and replaced all the caps, wire-wound resistors and did the diode mod as well as replaced some film caps. It does well.

I know there are some Linn dealers in Chicago but I am in Central Illinois (home of a Big 10 institution with Orange and Blue) so someone more local? Someone that will show me what and why they are doing what they are doing?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I figure as much as I have into this deck (relative - to me, anyway) I woul dlike to have it professionally set-up and tweaked for the optimal sound quality.

Thank you in advance,

D
analog_source
droz
20 posts
 
You might check with Champagne Audio. I have had great experiences with them in the past- highly recommended.
catastrofe
81 posts
 
I would look up Brian Walsh of Essential Audio. He is in Chicago, but that's only a couple of hours away (most likely). He may or may not be willing to make the drive, but he seems to have a good reputation.
analog_source OP
6 posts
 
Droz - I worked for Ralph at Champagne Audio in college but sadly, he sold the business to a nice fellow, but it did not last. It closed its doors about 2-years ago or so. That was where I cut my teeth in the HiFi business and bought my Rogue Audio gear, my Paradigm speakers, my Pro-Ject Tube Box SE and my Synergistic Research active interconnects and speaker cables. Good people and a good store. I enjoy the expertise offered by David at Glenn Poor's in Champaign, nice fellow, great location and a good selection of gear.

Thank you to everyone for the advice. I will go through it this weekend and see how it goes. Polk432 - I will send you a message. I appreciate your offer. I will likely take you up on the pictures. This is a fairly radical upgrade from my Rega P3 and AR-1, although the AR was closer to the Linn than the Rega!

D
bpwalsh
1,201 posts
 
I owned an LP12 as my first high end 'table. While I moved on to others and ultimately became a dealer for other brands, it served me well.

As Catastrofe mentioned, I am in the Chicago area (northwest suburbs) but travel regularly to assist clients and work hard for the unanimous glowing testimonials. I am happy to come to Champaign. Add .com to
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
You might want to consider a Sole sub chassis, I have had very good results with mine. Also use his armboard. Not that much money for the sonic improvement.
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