Such a horrible overrated product! Must be nice to still be the reference that others are compelled to compare to after many years.
Thoughts on the Linn LP12 turntable
I don’t see many discussions that include the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable and was wondering why? They’ve been around since the late 70’s and other then power supply and a few other minor changes (IMO) are relatively unchanged. I had one in the early 80’s and another in the late 90’s. They are somewhat finicky to get setup correct and once you do, they sound great. That being said I know there have been a lot better designs to come out since the LP12’s hey-day. Are they worth considering anymore or has the LP12 just become another audio vintage collectors item?
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@cd318 Says the man who doesn’t even own a turntable, never mind a Linn! Keep going, I’m beginning to enjoy this--;0)
I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I was getting a little worried that that it might get tiring having to continuously defend the indefensible.
I was the one who compared (among other tables better than either) my AR to the Linn. AR Xa. Merrill subchassis. Merrill motor and power supply. Jelco arm. Grado green. Agree no comparison to Linn / Ittok / troika. AR superior. Doesn’t have the snob appeal tho
Well said. I have an AR XB1 and wouldn’t swap it for any other belt driven deck.
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@mapman +1 |
BTW I’m not dumping on the Linn. Nor saying the AR -- as is -- is great. But the basic design of the AR may be superior - if the key parts are upgraded. The inter-locking pieces of the spindle/center/platter than cancel resonances is magic. but you need a new bearing and thrust doohickey (various types). The arm was crap. The motors were only "decent" 60 years ago, and parts unobtanium. Mine has all those machined and fixed. My LP12 OTOH is far from latest. Maybe 15-20 years old. So the latest motor control, latest arm boards (far more rigid and dead) are not part of the package. And yet it too is musical in its way - but less dynamic than the AR and less detail too. Or at least mine, as it stands today. But those who have not heard a proper AR are missing a great. At least for the money invested, which including arm, subchassis, bearing, motor, motor power supply, cart/bah blah is probably $1k-$1300 all in. Some assembly required. An LP 12 setup like mine can be found, used, in good condition for $1100-$1700 too. Or could be when i picked up mine, mostly as a spare.
And lets face it - tables are only as good as setup and few have the time, patience and skill to set them up right, so much is academic. |
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