Where in the US to send my Linn Sondek LP12.

I have a Sondek (among about a dozen other TTs). Learn to do the set up and mods This does not require genius intelligence! Its just a frickin' turntable!

The basic Sondek is a fine TT! On a par with the original AR TT! Those "upgrades" that Linn wants customers to buy are just to get the neurotically insecure to spend more money! 

I mainly am interested in playing 45’s. I know that here are aftermarket kits that a British audio store sells but I could probably swing for the Linn Lingo 4 that I have only a little bit of information on. I’ll be calling the Ann Arbor Linn dealer to ask about it.

But yeah, all these motor, sub-platter, bracing, arm board, upgrades add huge amounts to the cost. 

I am am tempted to just do what @roberjerman says and learn to do my own setup. In order to take the plunge with this, I guess I’ll need to keep reading Michael Fremer’s analog column.

masi61 - 

This past year I purchased a fairly top tier LP12. It has a foot in the door of a Klimax level deck, essentially an Akurate with a Radikal motor. I also had custom plinth built for it. I found myself in similar situation where my dealer was not close but not too far, in my case Atlanta.

1. Don't ship. If you choose to visit a dealer just make it an excursion and enjoy the process.
2. Talk to your potential dealers and see if they mind you hanging out while they do the work of the install of the new motor and power supply. Shoot video with your phone. Learn the insides of the deck and what each of the parts does.
3. While you are there go ahead and do a suspension tune up if it is needed.
4. All new LP12s will be corner braced as is mine. Not required but may be something to consider if you want to get a new plinth from Linn or a more exotic aftermarket one. Many good options. Not off the charts expensive until you opt for exotic woods.

The main question was power supply. Of the current ones the Lingo IV may be your best bet. It will allow you to switch between 33.3 and 45 easily otherwise your have to make a manual adjustment to make the switch. I can tell you the Radikal is a nice DC power supply and I am very happy with it. When I built my LP12 I was going to use the Lingo IV but changed to the Radikal after a direct comparison of the various power supplies and motors.

I believe your dealer in Ann Arbor Michigan has a very knowledgeable tech or participates in some of the Linn specific forums. Also, I can vouch for dealer in Atlanta.  There are also options in Maryland and DC. The take home is work with a dealer - at least initially. When you transport the finished deck you will remove the outer platter, and raise the inner platter. It is also important to keep the suspense and arm board from swinging around while driving. Also remove the counter balance on the tone arm. 

You can purchase the tools to work on your LP12 as well and it might be a good idea. Also take a look at the following setup guides from a a very well respected Linn dealer in England. These guides are a good opportunity for learning and worth the read for any LP12 owner. Required reading if you want to do the work yourself. The guide has three volumes. 

https://www.cymbiosis.com/downloads/

I agree at the end of the day it is just a turntable but it still needs to be done correctly to get the most performance and enjoyment out of it. Take the time and effort to do it right, you will be glad you did.

And while the LP12 can be expensive I have found the investment I have made into it worth while and it has far exceeded my expectations. 

Look up Thomas O' Keefe Nokturne  Audio at Westland,MI  His username is ThomasOK
Thomas is one of the best tech to work on LP12.  I suggest you read the many reviews on the internet about him.  Good luck.