AMG V12

My experience is limited to listening at my dealer. My first impression left me wishing I could afford one. Although as an owner of an LP12 and the dealer is an avid LP12 guru, I would confess the fully tricked out LP12 does outperform the V12 in bass response as well as minute extraction of details, but at an additional $12k it should. My LP12 is well equipped and adjusted with a Kleos but the V12 with a Atlas still leaves a noticeable margin in improvement over mine. Not to mention I think they are just gorgeous to behold, and I really feel the 12" arm would bring some added benefit to playback, tracking etc.
A question Lewm raises that I am unaware of, is it still made? I have not heard nor read it wasn't but intend to ask the dealer when he returns. It would be a shame if it has either ceased to be produced or imported. In my opinion it is a wonderful table and it would be a shame to lose the access to this fine table.

I did see that they were at CES showing the V12, so my guess is they are still selling in the US market. As mentioned, I had never heard that before Lewm's comments and I may have misinterpreted him.
Lewm, surprise surprise! A fully decked out LP12 with on board phono stage can reach upwards of 30k. That was the table in the comparison, the V12 with options was about 17k so that was the basis for my comments.
No-regrets, I was curious by you comments about the LP12, is the the table you are using now? I hadn't thought about before but if my dream comes true I'll be going from a LP12 to a V12, let us know if you get one. I myself am miles away from that jump.

No-regrets, thanks for sharing the photos, are those Dunlaveys?? Very good looking system and table. I haven't gone that far with mine, I do have mine wrapped in a beautiful cherry with some birds-eye that I just love. But using the pre-SE Ekos, Cirkus, Lingo with the newest motor, Cardas Golden Ref cableing and a Kleos. I do enjoy the table but I suffer from audiophilia-unrest and always want something different.
But I am agreement with you and Brf. Enough is enough. Linns prices for the SE Ekos, Keel etc, are not an investment that will yield equal returns. I see the AMG and see simplicity, style and hear a table and tonearm that exceeds my current table and much less future maintenence. I'm all in and if the money falls in my direction, I will move in that direction.

No-regrets, first off I don't blame you for hanging on to the Dunlavys, I used to spend a lot of time listening at the dealers showroom. A sad day indeed when they closed their doors. My LP12 vs. the V12, first off I think the delicate nature of the Lyra house sound is more freely expressed. The vocals seemed to be more accurate in timbre, akin to a live acoustic natural sound. We listened to Patricia Barber, Dusty Springfield and Chris Issac mostly, and when I came home and played the same albums, I realized that the information had less depth than at the store. I do feel the bass is pretty much on par between the two, with the exception of the speakers capability to deliver. But the overall nature in sound of the V12, to me seemed to let me relax my ears more when listening for certain passages than I get with my table. That said, I must provide weight to the overall system at the dealers vs. mine. Speakers, phono stage, Atlas vs. Kleos, but I still contend the overall "audio picture" of the V12 defined the ceiling of limitations of my LP12 unless I tweak mine at great expense, or choose to invest in the future a vinyl playback. The other notes I want to add is I think the AMG bearing design is a major contributor but would raise concern on isolation. I believe it would be a crucial ingredient in obtaining the maximum performance. Also I think the 12" arm vs. the Ekos adds to the ease of tracking allowing the cartridge to more freely track the groove. All personal opinion of course.

Lewm, no concerns, I have a tendency to confuse people with my writing skills (or lack there of) It seems it makes sense while typing because I know what I trying to say. I truley appreciate your follow up comments.

No regrets, I may have mis stated my concerns. They are based on my paranoia from my LP12 ownership. Even though I have my floor reinforced under the cabinet and am using Aurios, my table skips with very little provication. A wall shelf would be the solution, but I keep putting it off for future plans that may never happen. As far as the V12, my dealer has it on an HRS stand and his floor, though second floor is rock solid and I never experienced any skipping in his showroom. With a a wall shelf just delete any comments I made concerning this issue. I am very confident that you and the misses will have many many dances with out skipping (records that is) you may skip around the room when you get your new AMG. :)