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Linn Sondek question

What is it about a Linn Sondek LP12 that requires it to be tuned up?  I was at a Linn specialist recently and was amazed at the amount of Linn Sondeks he had just in waiting for "tune ups" or whatever they needed.  There must have been at least twenty.  So, how often does this have to be done?  Is it the springs, weather conditions etc.  I never see other tables requiring this kind of attention for what seems to be required on a regular basis.  Can it be done by the owner?  Seems like a lot of fiddling.  The setup that was there sounded great.  There is a specialist on youtube that posts many Linns and the sound quality is fantastic, but at what cost?  Like I said, I have never seen that many tables requiring attention in my life.  So what his the thing with these tables?
tzh21y
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,831 posts
 
Missioncoonery, says he who has never owned an LP12...or most likely ever heard one either.

Varyat, so much misinformation now on the forums about the table, it’s just pathetic! As we both know, a leaking bearing is not possible.


nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

daveyf, ''nandric , you have not heard a well set up Klimax level LP

12. Twenty + years ago, etc''. Ergo the LP 12 from 20 years ago

is not an LP 12? Those are however still ''going strong'' with

the same platter which is the ''heart'' of their construction. Those

are recommended to the students because of their price. There are

many owners who still use the first version. A good designed TT

(should) not need so many ''improvements'' with ridiculous prices.

Thorens made many versions but never upgrades. Those, more

in particular 160, are also still going strong. In some sense LP 12

is ''upgraded '' 160. The novice in this thread should check how

bearings are made (grin). With some brown substance around

the plate at the bottom of the bearing tube.

daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,831 posts
 
Nandric, an LP12 from yesteryear is still a fine table. However, it is not in the same league as a current LP12, in either the Akurate version or the Klimax version. You would know this if you had a chance to hear the current models.Instead, you prefer to post drivel and inaccurate information.
Please don’t call me a novice anymore, you really are making a fool out of yourself.
Look at what Varyat posted above and contemplate (ask your English teacher what this word means, before you reply to these posts,Lol), unless you believe he is a ‘novice’ as well!  Now, ‘if’ you over filled the bearing in the first place...and were sloppy in the set up, then I could see how a little could spill out...that’s not leaking, that’s a spillage from overfill! 
BTW, when you are talking of students...what garbage are you referring to now.
I’m done with responding to you, I have better things to do with my time.
davidclarke
43 posts
 
I am the Linn dealer for Maine.

Some of this is common sense - If the suspension is too tight that is bad.  If the suspension is too loose that is bad.  There is a sweet spot - when it is right you get optimal feedback resistance and minimal induced sounds.  Most any turntables with adjustments will benefit from being adjusted properly - again there is "too hot, too cold and just right."

Most people agree tracking too light or too heavy is bad too - same thing with the arm - try to get it into its optimal configuration.  

The LP12 has been refined for over 40 years - they just keep making it better - a little every year.  The LP12 is a simple concept well executed.

A basic LP12 with a good (very good) cartridge will get you 97.5% of what you are looking for.  There are small incremental improvements as you upgrade.  Obviously the rest of your system needs to be good enough to hear the improvements.

The LP12 is the only turntable we sell - our customers love it.  What's not to love?

PS - when I started in this business you could buy and AR turntable with a Shure M91 for under $90.00 dollars...  But that was a lot of money back then!
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,831 posts
 
davidclarke, I happen to think that 40 years of continued refinement, adds up to one heck of a lot of refinement! 
Not sure I completely agree with you that there are small incremental improvements as you upgrade... IME, there are some pretty BIG improvements to be had...The Radikal power supply/motor is a major step up, as is the Cirkus bearing! 
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