Help for a vinyl novice

As a Linn LP-12 /Ittok owner since 1982, I would never recommend that to a novice. The suspension and power supply problems are enough to steer clear of any used Linn's.

I personally don't mind fussing with turntables, but it is not for the faint hearted or folks that just want to enjoy vinyl.

Project, rega, and vpi traveler for a little more would be my recommendation.

So - I went on an impulsive hunch and ordered a Pro-Ject 5.1SE yesterday. Came with the Blue Point 2 and the carbon fiber arm.

I mean, I researched the heck out of it before I ordered it, so it wasn't just a "oooh - that looks pretty and audiophile-esque)" decision. But I wanted something I could be happy with and build on as needed.

About ten years ago in another life and with a lot more money than now, I had a Meridian/ARC/Maggie system and though I don't know whether I'll get into vinyl enough to warrant laying out that kind of cash again, I did want something beyond a nouveau-hipster tt.

Anyhow, thank you again for all the advice - especially the warnings about the Linn. I actually look forward to learning how to tweak and adjust and fuss with my vinyl components, so in a few years maybe I'll move up to something like that.

Question, though - since the stylus feeds into the cartridge which feeds into wires - doesn't the quality of those thin wires leading back to the IC's really determine the sound quality?

Congrats... and enjoy! It sounds like you made a sound decision for sound reasons. :-)

Yes, the quality of tonearm wire has a significant impact on sound quality (more so with a LOMC than MM). Upgrading those wires is one of many tweaks that vinylphiles love to get into.

Technics vs. Linn:

Used Technics $500 w/ cart
Used Linn LP12 Sondek $1k - $1.5k w/ cart (or more)

For me, the difference in price was why I went with the technics. I couldn't justify the expense right out of the gate of the LP12. I wanted a good platform that I can tweak, upgrade and mess around with. The 1200 is just that. There is just a *ton* of support out there for the technics. Many time tested (and proven) advise and upgrades.

Also, at these price points, I don't think the LP12 offers 2-3x the performance the technics does. For my money, the better value is the 1200. I mean really, you can't go wrong with either one..

Question: the Pro-ject came with its separate IC's and grounding wire. If I want to use my own ICs, can I just separate the ground wire from the existing Project IC's and use it with my own IC?