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Linn LP12 vs. VPI Classic 1 and 3

As an owner of an LP12, I am considering an upgrade to a VPI Classic 1 or 3 or 4. I have heard a Classic 1, but not in my system. Have not heard the up scale Classic 3 or 4. So my question is- for those who have heard or own the Linn and have heard the VPI's, do they sound better than the regular Linn Lp12 with Valhalla ( my version),...can they and do they beat the Linn with Lingo, and do they compete with the uber Linn-LP12 Radikal/Keel? If so, which models of the VPI are the winners in these comparisons ( if that is the case at all).
128x128daveyf
polk432
1,142 posts
 
I had a VPI. It was ok. I'm on my 3rd Linn LP12 properly set up. POS? Hardly, unless you are a d.i.y. and don't know what you're doing. I bought a Rega RP-3 back in May, and it's ok for the price, but just doesn't compare, especially since I got this last Linn for 1250.00 with a Black Ittock LVII arm.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Daveyf, I have no idea what version the Linn was, I had a Lp-12 once and all that tweak stuff made me ill, if a component needs all that I have no use for it.All I know is my buddy had about 4k in it and the traveller was at least as good.
polk432
1,142 posts
 
If it's so hard to make up one mind, there is an easy solution.. just buy both. Dollar for dollar, I'll still take the Linn.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf OP
2,877 posts
 
Buy both, Polk432!
BTW, anyone compare the Linn Radikal vs. the VPI 3 or 4?
Thoughts..
pani
1,219 posts
 
Pani, I have to disagree with you. The VPI's and the Linn's are there to recreate the most accurate sound off the record. Simply by listening to the two, I believe one can formulate which is the more accurate and realistic to the "live". After all, isn't that we are all attempting to do with our gear choices?
The fact that in the UK people( according to you) don't really care about VPI, doesn't invalidate their products one bit, at least IMHO. Don't get me wrong, I think the Linn is a great table, however it is getting a little long in the tooth and I believe can be bettered. The question is- can it be bettered by these VPI tables?

Daveyf, you are right and that is the ideal case. However, since you are asking for opinions on forums, I just wanted to point out that different forums favour different products. And that happens because there are different schools of thought on the subject of music reproduction. Everyone's reference is after all live instruments and voices but because absolute reference cannot be reached each of them choose a different sets of compromises. Hence what the UK guys think is the best compromise is typically different from the US school or say that of the Japanese school. If you can hear the products side by side then you dont need to think too much about these schools but if forums play significantly in your quest then you may want to talk to different forums at the same time to get a wider perspective IMO.
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