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.
Help me Buy an LP-12
I have had a Rega P3 w/ Elys for a couple years and Im bored to tears with its sound. Its nice and non offensive but does not excite me. It cant even begin to hang with my Meridian digital rig. So, I want an Lp-12. I dont really understand all of the upgrades and the different models. Does Sondek refer to the power supply or are all Lp-12's sondeks? What I need is an experienced LP-12 user who can help me put together a starter Lp-12 set( table, arm, power supply, cartridge etc.) That I can look for used. What are some quirks, or certain years, models I would want or to avoid etc. Any advice would be very much appreciated.