Decision: keep the Project Classic or buy into a Linn Axis?

I'm an original Axis owner since 1988. I love the sound of this table, so much so that I had it refurbished by a Linn service tech about 2013, 14. I would be wary of buying an old table without knowing its history. The safe bet is to keep the Project and do some upgrades.

The reason to be wary of the Axis is due to the lack of available parts for service. The motor is attached underneath and is one of the vulnerable parts. There are no more to be found. A motor would need to be harvested from another Axis. If the seller can verify that the service on this unit included more than a recap, then it may be worth purchasing. 

Back when it was first introduced there was very little difference in sound when compared to the LP12. It still has the Linn family sound.

@andlum Off the top of my head compete service should include:

-The suspension has been checked and adjusted. Every tech will do this, I'm sure it was.

-Motor inspected. Ask if it has the original motor. It's fine if it does. 

-Change bearing oil. Ask about this, very important. If not, how long has it been since it was done?

-Check condition of the belt. Ask if it's the original, mine lasted a long time.

-Make sure 33 & 45 speed control works.

-He did the caps and I'm sure checked voltage and it's up to spec.

I think that's it. If there's no manual, you can find instructions on how to balance the arm online. Oh yeah, many older Linns have broken hinges on the dust cover. Usually they can be found on Ebay.

Best of luck, I'd really like to know if the table works out for you.

Jim

@andlum 

Yes, you use a strobe disk to check speed. I'm sure this table has been checked. And many belt drives don't run at 33 1/3. They run at 33.5 or 33.1, you won't hear a difference.

I'm sure he checked and/or adjusted tonearm, platter movement and belt position. Axis uses a rubber mounted suspension system, the LP12 uses metal springs which can go out of alignment. The Axis is set it and forget it.

My last advise is to play records with the dust cover off. It will sound great.

When I frequented my local Linn dealer in the 80's the salesmen would say that for those on a budget, the Axis with the top Linn cart and arm provided a taste of what an LP12 was like. And back in the mid to late 80's, $1000 for an Axis wasn't chump change.

I always wanted an LP12, still love how they present music.

@mapman , glad to hear your Axis is still performing well. Have you ever done any mods or upgrades? 

There are different generations and levels of the LP12. Ask which power supply it uses. That would also help date this table. 

What do you mean "would need a new system?" Install a new tonearm?

@mapman ,, I remember you're using the Denon. After I had my Axis fully restored, I was on a vinyl tear. Then I decided to upgrade my digital which was practically entry-level. Eventually I reached the point where it sounded better than my analogue and there I stayed. Now I'm read to jump back into vinyl, I really miss it. 

A lot of people I meet dismiss the Axis as a budget table, until they hear it. It really is a gem. Well built and it sounds wonderful.