Linn Sondek LP12 impressions

" I was wondering if anyone still uses these old designed turntables?"

There are many dedicated LP12 users even today and also many Linn specialists who rebuild and upgrade them. I happen to like the Linn house sound, but yeah it's an old design and needs TLC to maintain them.

Just pop into PFM with the same question and you'll get an earful of Linn (and most likely a knuckle sandwich to boot).

The LP12 dead or dying? I think not! :)

There is so much written on the pros and cons of the Linn that you could spend the next 5 years reading about it. It is without a doubt one of the most polarizing discussions in audio. That said, IMO a used LP12 with an Ittok or Ekos arm is an excellent buy, provided you have a good setup person.

The sound can be very good, or not so good depending on the setup. The problem is that if you get someone who really can set up your Linn, by the time you get it home, it's out of adjustment. I had the official Linn manual which explains the adjustment procedure, but don't know what I did with it. It really needs constant tweeking to keep its setup.

I have to disagree about the constant tweaking thing. I thought that too before I owned one. Once set up properly, it should maintain it's alignment for years and it shouldn't need anything until you change the cartridge. Even then, it's probably only a matter of minor adjustments. But I do agree you need a very good setup person.

Of course, if you're the kind of person that will live in the state of constant grief, worrying that the table needs tweaking, you're probably better off with a different table.