Origin DC Motor in LP12: Marketing or reality?

I cannot respond from experience with the OL DC motor system on an LP12. However, I have used the OL DC motor system on an OL turntable, and I have a Teres turntable with a DC motor system, AND I owned a Linn LP12 Valhalla for about 11 years.

In my opinion, the DC motor system has alot to recommend it over the typical AC synchronous motor that is used in the LP12. OL puports to use a Maxon motor that is Swiss made, and from the same company that provides the DC motors to the Teres company. Their controller is not feedback regulated for speed, and is user-adjusted by a separate strobe system that is not provided in the kit. At least it wasn't in the kit that I received. You adjust the speed with some small trim-pots on the circuit board and then you depend on it being right from there on. Not as sophisticated as the Teres system, but it is similar to several of the other DC motor systems on other TTs out there.

Basically, there is no doubt that improving the motor controller of the LP12 is a worthwhile undertaking. Of all the ways to do it, changing the motor to a DC type has the most theoretical advantage. Whether this theoretical advantage actually manifests itself in the outcome is based upon the execution of the design by the mfr. I can say that the OL DC motor system that I used worked well enough, but I was not too enamored with the way the speed was checked and adjusted. After I got it adjusted, it seemed to work fine.

Of the other types that keep the AC motor, I have heard from users that the Lingo puts noise on the AC line that can interfere with other components. I have also heard that the Naim Armageddon was an excellent improvement that didn't put noise on the AC line.

Thanks for the response...I really appreciate the information.

I am mainly concerned with two issues. I probably should have stated them up-front. And my concern is more in how it would affect my listening experience.

1. Will there be a gain or loss of dynamics in going from the Valhalla board to the Origin DC? I've read reports that the Origin DC doesn't have quite the same dynamics as a Lingo or an Armageddon, but I'm mainly interested to see if there will be an improvement over the Valhalla.

2. Is there a problem with speed fluctuations? I've read that a DC motor is dependant on the voltage for accuracy, so if my voltage fluctuates so will the motor speed. Is this a problem? Is it negligable?

I own an Armageddon on my Linn. Big improvement over the Valhalla. Speed is very constant.

I have not heard the OL but understand that since it is DC and the platter is not high mass that you will hear the speed fluctuations as variations in the pitch of your music.

I'd skip a year on the upgrade cycle, save up the money for a Walker, VPI, or Armageddon. With Armageddon you can't get 45 rpm without a pulley change on the table.

There is great discussion/information about Linns on http://www.extremeaudio.com and Analogue Addicts at http://www.n.mackie.btinternet.co.uk/linn/tlp12faq.html

I just had one installed on my Oracle Delphi turntable. I will pick it up tomorrow. The person that installed it on the Oracle expressed that he felt it was low in torque compared to other original motors on Mapleknoll and Sota. I purchased mine from a magazine reviewer in the US with the heavy power supply ($300 option). He never got around to try it. There is no flywheel what so ever. My sense it can handle light platter and not heavy ones. Say up to 10 pounds. Origin Live told me that I may need to help the platter to get rotation started with my hand. If this turns out to be true, this is unacceptable. I was not thinking that my hand would be a crank for the turntable start procedure. I will be happy to keep you posted.