AMG V12

I did see that they were at CES showing the V12, so my guess is they are still selling in the US market. As mentioned, I had never heard that before Lewm's comments and I may have misinterpreted him.
Lewm, surprise surprise! A fully decked out LP12 with on board phono stage can reach upwards of 30k. That was the table in the comparison, the V12 with options was about 17k so that was the basis for my comments.
No-regrets, I was curious by you comments about the LP12, is the the table you are using now? I hadn't thought about before but if my dream comes true I'll be going from a LP12 to a V12, let us know if you get one. I myself am miles away from that jump.

Hi Theo,

Yes, a fully "tricked out" LP12 is quite expensive now-a-days as they have finally come to learn about the changes in sound that can be had by changing the AC motor to DC, upgrading the motor controller and power supply, changing the top plate and sub chassis , etc etc that has been already done well over a couple decades ago by a firm called Pink Triangle in the form of the Pink Link (now known as the Funk Firm) as modifications to many LP12's.

Theo, to answer your question, my current table which I've had since the 1990's is a beautiful Linn LP12 wrapped in a Brazilian Rosewood plinth with the Pink Link modifications which consists of ditching the AC motor for a DC motor. Replacing the top plate, moving the motor to the lower left hand corner about the 7:30ish position so it's more in line with the front of the stylus instead of tugging at it broadside, and a includes a very large and sophisticated motor controller with 12 volt SLA DC Battery Power Supply.

These upgrades are responsible for making the music emerge from an utterly black background, both the micro and macro dynamics are scarily real and the pace and timing of the music greatly enhanced. It is incredible the difference in sound and now after all this time, Linn has finally accepted this and is offering these options in there "fully tricked out" tables… although at a significant cost , but it allows the LP12 to compete with the very best.

To round out my table, I am using the Naim ARO tone arm (which in my opinion is the very best "sounding" arm ever made for the LP12….the music sounds so balanced and natural via that arm… along with the Benz Ruby ZH which is brought up to the S-Class specs and is housed in a Zebra Wood body.

I'm not very technically adept with all things computers will try to attach a link to a photograph of my table. I apologize in advance if it does not work.

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad122/No_regrets1/Reference%20System%20March%202011/P1260162_zps9399e9a3.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad122/No_regrets1/P3250336_zps0d583a4a.jpg

I love the fact that Linn provides an upgrade path for the older LP12, but does the path have to be so steep in price. Thousands of Linn LP12 owners have stopped upgrading their table due to Linn’s current upgrade pricing.

The AMG brand is alive and well based on the fact that they have been demoed at more than one high end show in the past 4 months.

Hi Brf,

That is good to hear about the AMG still being alive and well! I hope that they will be represented this April in Chicago at the Axpona show. I love what I've read in their reviews and am hopeful to being able to hear them. I'm also interested in the Spiral Groove tables as well as the Clearaudio Innovation Wood, both of which will be at the Chicago Show…but I'm leaning heavily towards the AMG.

I agree with how you feel about the Linn upgrade path pricing. An affordable option though would to do your upgrading of the Linn LP12 via the Funk Firm's modifications. They are awesome! I believe that they will be in Chicago this April as well.

No-regrets, thanks for sharing the photos, are those Dunlaveys?? Very good looking system and table. I haven't gone that far with mine, I do have mine wrapped in a beautiful cherry with some birds-eye that I just love. But using the pre-SE Ekos, Cirkus, Lingo with the newest motor, Cardas Golden Ref cableing and a Kleos. I do enjoy the table but I suffer from audiophilia-unrest and always want something different.
But I am agreement with you and Brf. Enough is enough. Linns prices for the SE Ekos, Keel etc, are not an investment that will yield equal returns. I see the AMG and see simplicity, style and hear a table and tonearm that exceeds my current table and much less future maintenence. I'm all in and if the money falls in my direction, I will move in that direction.