Rec's for a dull sounding analog system

Um, this may be a silly question, but if you don't have a phono stage how do you know your analog sounds dull?

Anyway, I upgraded a seventies LP12 and it was worth it to me. You might find a used Valhalla, but better I think to go for the Cirkus/Lingo. If you have to spend some budget on a phono stage, get the Cirkus and that. You will have music while you save for the Lingo.

Holmejr, thanks for the clarification. (I could have Googled it myself instead of asking a silly question.)

Yes, the corner bracing on the plinth of the later LP12s is better, but that doesn't mean you should not get a Cirkus and a Lingo for your present table IMHO. The contribution of the plinth changes to the sound of the TT is minimal as long as you have your LP12 on a decent support. And hey, I'm a fixer-upper.

If your sound is dull now, you might check your VTA if you haven't done that recently. "Dull" could mean it's too low.

Holmejr, I think I had only half a brain working when I first posted to this thread. You say dull-sounding analog, and you have a Linn. That should have rung the big Linn bell, the table setup bell.

All LP12s need a suspension setup at least yearly. If they don't get it they lose their wonderful liveliness and pace and start to sound, well, not dull and draggy perhaps, but getting there. LP12 setup needs to be done by a properly trained technician, of course, not the normal TT owner. Was your last setup done awhile ago?

Your table may also need to have some suspension parts changed if it is very old. Linn sold a spring and grommet kit called the Nirvana at one point, but it may no longer be available. I presume Brooks Berdan has already looked after that, but if you're not sure, it might be useful to check.