LP12 Setup: Dead & Lifeless: Where's the air?

The Linn is known for sounding somewhat "warm & plump", not for extremely airy, open or delicate highs. Obviously, the parts that you choose to go with it and how they are set-up will drastically effect the performance of the whole system though.

Have you attempted to play with cartridge loading in your preamp / phono stage at all ? This can make or break a phono system. Other than that, all i can suggest is that you verify that all of the arm / cartridge adjustments are as "dead on" as you can get them. The cartridge needs to be squarely mounted and not twisted or rocked in the headshell. Overhang is also very important. Playing with VTA will also change tonal balance and transient response somewhat, so don't miminize the importance of this variable. Tracking force will also affect the transient response and dynamics of the cartridge. Sean
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I don't know about your Linn dealer, but mine charged me $50.00 to tune up my LP12, and it was worth it. Linn tables are notorious for being finnicky and for good reason. When tuned exactly right, they sound wonderful. Unfortunately, they also must be retuned from time to time.

If I had known this beforehand, I might not have purchsed an LP12. But since I now have it, the great sound I get from it is worth the occasional hassle. Before you give up faith on the LP12, have your Linn guy tune it up. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Breeno,

Email me if you would like to have a setup manual. It's a zip file that is about 1/2 meg and opens in MS Word. Also, cut and paste this link in your browser. There is a lot of useful informations contained there. I would suggest printing it out and saving it for reference.

http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/4133/lp12_faq.txt

A faulty power supply would also contribute to what you describe. I can also send you a photo of what to look for.
Take the table to a Linn dealer if you still have doubts. Good luck.

Patrick