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Is the "standard" Linn Sondek LP-12 surpassed by newer turntable brands and designs??

More than ever, the infamous Linn Sondek LP12 turntables appear for sale on Audiogon. The price of each piece varying based on the age, condition, and how many authorized factory upgrades have been done .

The question is: Is the "standard" ( without any upgrades) Linn LP-12  outperformed by newer brand turntable designs??  It seems to be getting long in the tooth as a viable high end turntable

Can someone explain what made the sound quality of this table so special and so sought after??  Is  a USED standard Linn LP-12. really worth the money??   Thanks 

sunnyjim

Showing 2 responses by varyat

varyat's avatar
varyat
146 posts
 
How many "newer" designs allow the owner to start at an affordable "standard" level and upgrade over time to a top flight deck, supported by the original manufacturer as well as many well established third party vendors? 
Go hear a new "standard" level LP12 and compare it to decks in same price range. The LP12 has a signature sound to it- it has drive, rhythm and is fun to listen to. If you like this sound , go for it.
It's a proper record player that will last a lifetime- make up your own mind.
varyat's avatar
varyat
146 posts
 
The Radikal fundamentally changes the LP12 to a more modern sounding TT, i.e. more accurate. The Cirkus bearing  and Kore subchasis upgrades also follows along this same path. All are fantastic upgrades and imo should be considered prior to tonearm or cartridge upgrades.
If you like what an LP12 does then these upgrades make perfect sense.
The "super" TT's you mention are different altogether and I suspect will have a very different sound signature. 

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