best upgrade for 'standard' LP12


I have a Linn LP12/Rega RB300/Grado Sonata which is level and on a good (Audiotech)stand, and am wondering what is a good upgrade that does not involve tearing the table or tonearm apart?

Are the Linn upgrades a reasonable alternative to the Origin and others that are highly touted?

I do not have the trampolin or Lingo, what kind of improvements do these make?

The sound I am getting now has a little midbass ripeness (or lack of definition in the mid/lower bass) and is slightly thin in the upper end. The midrange is very nice and has an intimate quality and the 'Linn beat' seems alive and well.

Overall I am very happy with my setup but wonder if there is a few simple lower cost things I can do that will help these areas.

thanks

Phil
128x128philjolet

Showing 2 responses by twl

The "midbass ripeness" is a typical characteristic of the Linn table.

Aside from the stand, which you have addressed, there is not too much that can be done without dis-assembly or the table or arm. Even re-doing the adjustment of the suspension requires some dis-assembly.

Given these guidelines, I would recommend that you get an Expressimo Audio Heavyweight drop counterweight for the RB300. This is as easy to install as your stock one. Makes a nice improvement in sound. Under $100.

If your phono section can accept it, a good MC cartridge might be a nice improvement. Like a Shelter 501. $800.

If your phono section needs improvement, that can really make the analog setup sound better. Take a look at some nice tube phono sections, that can accept low output MC carts, or a good tube MM phono section and a good Step-up Transformer. EAR and ARC make some nice ones. The Wright phono stage is real good. Probably about $1k+ for a nice one. Or consider a used tube preamp with a MC phono stage, like the MFA Magus, or Audible Illusions, or Counterpoint, or ARC SP-6. May need re-capping.

If you want to do some dis-assembly on your Linn, then you could think about some other things.
Phil, I think all your other stuff is just fine.

I have got very good results from the Heavyweight counterweight, and recommend it highly. I really did not expect alot from just a counterweight change, but it did alot more than I thought. RB300 is a good arm, and is worth upgrading in my opinion.

Trampolin might be ok, and easy.

Vibropods not needed on LP12.