Linn Sondek LP-12 happy/un-happy owners

Theo, Nothing like a little I love it or I hate it banter to clear the waters all up. As for the "cult of Linn" ... Only initial purchasers had to go through a blood ritual of sorts (as is true with most product purchased at retail prices for the first time) but, I was of the impression that you would probably be finding a pre-owned table. Just to set the record straight, I wasn't tricked mystically into buying a Linn and it then wouldn't have taken me 20 years to figure out that something else, and than something else, and... sounded better. Actually the dealer went out of their way to give me excellent A/B (like/same) comparisons and I was very much seduced musically. But in the "real world" if you get a Linn with the "circus" bearing upgrade and the "lingo" power supply, I think you could hold up very well to what is available in turntable recommendations in so far. Again, there are a lot of great tables out there. Good luck

Well I wish to thank one in all for sharing your opinions and experiences with the LP 12. I have a Rega P25 with about all the tweaks I can get on one and love it. But I really feel the need to go to the next step. I loke the fact that the LP12 has many upgrades available (tweak-a-holic here) and I really like a little wood trim on a TT. Don't know why but I am somewhat nostalgic. I keep my McIntosh gear even though there is better stuff out there I love the look. So looks are a consideration in the purchase of the next TT I buy. You fellow AG'ers have provided me a wide spectrum of considerations and I thank you all. As a final note (no pun) I wish to express my appreciation for this forum, I have always found some good advise here.

Opinons will vary, I never owned one, but I listened to minimum 12-15 Lp12 at various Linn Dealers in their demo rooms when I was looking for a "serious" record player. All I can say, I'm glad that this train of "hype" started without me. Compared to small Basis, Well Tempered and some others it always was slow and showed extreme limitations ( even the full loaded ones ) in the high and low frequency area. Even a Linn Dealer smiled when I asked him, what do the people say, when they hear a Platine Verdier in comparison, he also sells. His answer was simple:" ... they believe in something and I can make good money with it...."...
Sorry for not writing an enthusiastic comment, but in my opinion, that was one reason digital became so successful ...

Thomasheisig:
Of course no apology necessary - I can't agrue with a man's ears. I'm glad you found a table that pleases you. May I ask where you were able to audition 12-15 LP-12's and compare them within the same stores to a variety of other high end tables? I assume you are not in the U.S. - U.K perhaps? Where ever you are, I want to visit.

When I was looking for a good turntable in Europe, I had a few visits at various LINN main dealers, they offered comparisons with various LP12 ( with/ without Lingo, Valhalla etc.etc. ) Some had Naim ARO Arms, some with LINN/Naim Electronics ( pre/power/speakers ) and other dealers had that and selled other turntables and different electronics. One gave me a demo with LP12's with FM Acoustics electronics ( the Phono, Pre and Amp and he was a Platine Verdier dealer, too ). Anyway, this is some years ago, I made my decision for a different brand ( not the Basis Debut, that was much later ).