AMG V12

Okay, let's try this again.

I am interested in learning of people's experiences of the turntable "record player" called AMG VIELLA 12 or otherwise known as the AMG V12.

I can't imagine that no one has had this turntable. Maybe they are all too busy enjoying their music to have time to visit the forums?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Lewm for taking the time to respond to my questions regarding the AMG turntable.

It appears as though the designer's son (who has been working by his side over the years) has taken over the business. I will contact Musical Surroundings, the US distributor, this week to see what their take on the situation is as well.

I was able to find a dealer that is an 8 hour roundtrip car ride from where I live, so will try to find the time to make the drive and give a listen to. This winter season has been a bear though with dangerously cold weather and snow/ice covered roadways. It might be awhile before I can safely make the trip.

I would still love to hear from anyone who might have some experience with this table. The reviews look positive, but I prefer hearing from my audiophile brothers and sisters if at all possible.

Thanks again

Hi Theo,

Thank you for your reply. It's nice to meet another LP12 enthusiast! I had talked with Musical Surroundings last Friday to see if they knew if AMG would be represented at the 2014 Axpona Show in Chicago this coming April and he wasn't aware if it would be or not….however, he made no mention of AMG going out of business or discontinuing distributions to the States (although I did not ask directly about this.)

I will be making another call this coming week to find out what the current status is though.

Thank you Theo for sharing your experience with me!

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

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.

Hi Theo,

Thank you for the kind words. I'm sure your Birdseye Maple looks very beautiful as well.

Oh, you were correct. Those are my Dunlavy SCIV Signatures. I've had them since the mid 90's and love them to death. I can't ever imagine getting rid of them.

I'm curious as you've actually been able to listen to the AMG, what is it about the AMGs sound that you prefer over that of your LP12?

Hi Theo,

Thanks for the reply. Yes, Mr. Dunlavy was quite a gentleman and is dearly missed.

I'm really looking forward to being able to hear the AMG V12. From everything I've read from others as well as from yourself, I think I might be in for a real treat.

So it sounds as though your biggest concern with the AMG is possibly it's lack of a suspension? Do you find it to be susceptible to foot falls, or maybe airborne vibrations from the music? What was your dealer using for isolation? I've got my LP12 up on a wall shelf as my music room has suspended hardwood floors that tended to wreak havoc on the LP12. Now, my wife and I can dance to the music and the stylus stays steady in the grooves…do you think this would be sufficient for the AMG?

That sounds great Theo! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with me!!!