Help me Buy an LP-12

Unless you hate Rega, why not upgrade to Planar 25 table with RB600 arm and better cartridge? This is still priced under basic unmodified LP12 and will sound better. The beauty of Rega is its pure simplicity and quality.

I have has three LP-12 over the years, from the basic Linn to current model with the Lingo power supply. They all have their strong points. One thing they all had in common was the problem with the springs, they have to be checked and adjusted frequently. After years of dealing with Linns, I bought a VPI Aries with the original JMW arm and a Grado Reference cartridge. I really didn't realize how colored the Linn was until I heard the VPI. Don't get me wrong, the Linn has a wonderful warm sound but when you hear a transparent table and arm, it's hard to go back. Listen to more than one table and pick the one that sounds best you you. You really can't go wrong when you buy a table at this level. Good luck.

I have used the LP-12 in various versions for 25 years. The current offering is radically superior when set up by a Linn trained tech. If you go "cheap" you will end up nickle & dime-ing yourself to death for all the upgrades & wind up spending more than if you just go but a current one, maybe a year or 2 old if someone wants to part with one that new, or a dealer demo if you can find one. A current LP-12 with a modest arm & cartridge will sound better than an old LP-12 with the most expensive arm & cartridge. For a real expert, call Fred at Pacific Coast Audio in Corona del Mar, CA. He sets up my LP-12 every couple of years & was trained in Scotland on the proper way to get the very best out of your Linn. 949-640-5093.

never quite understand all the fuss about the LP 12, I have listened so many time's to this table in various setups,and find it dissapointing every time. Then all the upgrade's.. now i can think of upgrading a CD player because of the rapidly development of IC's etc, but a well thought out and designed turntable doesn't need all those upgrades or it is designed not well. a good bearing is a good bearing period. I find the LP 12 equipped with the whole Cirkus,trampolin, and whatever more it takes to get it going finally, a very overpriced piece of gear when looked from a engineering point of view. I may recommend another WELL designed British design turntable, and thats the Nottingham Analogue Hyperspace. this table doesnt need a cradle full of accompaneing equipment, and soundwise it's soo much better ! a turntable which uses only springs for coupling is a joke in itself, or you do it pneumatically or hydraulically,or no springs at all. Check out the Hyperspace, leave the bouncy bouncy 12.

JP- Are you planning to buy an LP12 new or used? Why do you want to go with the LP12? Are you familair with the sound? Do you know a good Linn dealer who can set one up correctly for you. This is crucial to LP12 happiness. I had one for 10 years and finally sold it for a Michell Orbe. I could not tollerate the hassles of the set-up. If you do any kind of tweaking that involves moving the deck or working underneath it will mess the settings up a bit.