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Upgrade LP 12 or...

I've recently rediscovered my vinyl, but I'm not going to give up digital. I have an LP 12 with an aging Troika, Ittok LVII, Valhalla and Cirkus, and I'm considering some upgrades. If I go the Lingo, Ekos II and Akiva route, it is really going to add up (Akiva around $3500, Ekos about $2750 and Lingo $1600). That's a bunch of dough, and I wonder if I can do better for the same money or less. I listen to about 80% rock/pop/folk/progressive, 15% classical and 5% jazz. I've been interested in the Teres, Wilson Benesch Circle, new P9 and Acoustic Signature turntables. Something that is easy to set-up and maintain would be a plus for me. If I change turntables, I'll probably replace the entire rig. What do you think?
thsalmon
caterham1700
271 posts
 
I looked at your system pics -
1) get rid of those gawdawful blobs under the Sondek
2) at the very least(for the sake of matching cosmetics) get a separate 2-3 tier Quadraspire stand and use it only for support of the turntable- wallmounting would be even better
3)consider replacing or rebuilding the Troika- it's probably knackered

Only after you've addressed the turntable's feet, cartridge and support should you consider upgrades (particularly psu and arm) or changes(unless you just want to change for the sake of change- a potential quagmire if you like what the Linn does and have built your system around those qualities)


mike_cole
31 posts
 
Given your system, I would put the LP12 on a better support and change out the cartridge to a Dynavector. Or, if you want a set and forget type TT, go for the P9. From your system description, you have a need for speed. I have an LP12 and have not personally heard the other tables, but I think the other tables (except the P9) play up the hi-fi aspects of music (soundstage, even frequency response, detail retrieval, air etc) more, but do not quite have the musicality (i.e. PRAT) of the Rega and the Linn. The two biggest upgrades to my LP12 were the Mana wall shelf and the Dynavector 17D2 (which is why I suggested them). For more discussion on LP12s, I suggest going to the Naim site (www.naim-audio.com ?).

Mike
twl
3,251 posts
 
Yes, you do have the Linn placed in the worst possible manner. It should never be on an equipment rack with other gear. It should always have it's own light rigid stand, preferably lower to the floor. I agree to get rid of the "God Awful Blobs" under the TT feet. Just placing the TT on a Sound Organisation TT stand, would make the Linn sound 10% better than it does now.

If you want to get a new TT, the Teres 255 will blow out any turntables that have thus far been mentioned. And it is lower cost than most of them too. Just for reference, I lived with a Linn LP12/Ittok/Karma for years, so I can give an accurate comparison to what you have. I have also heard most of all the other high end tables too. The Teres is a truly exceptional table, and is very good value for dollar.
whknopp0713
179 posts
 
The Troika rebuild is a great deal. And a used Lingo is too, since they have a nuclear half life. You might need a dealer to install it, though. You're even more in the Church of Linn than I am (anything better than a twin climax? Sorry, meant Klimax Twin), and changing out my LP12 is almost the last thing on my audio todo list.
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