Linn LP 12

Linn- the perfect table to start an internet brawl!

The Linns  I have heard did sound nice, but fully loaded-$30K!! That's alotta cabbage! Too many other tables for equal or less.

This thread should be a good read.

Good choice in upgrading the bearing.

Maybe, you will get a very small improvement… maybe not. I look at my Linn the same way I look at my audio system. Component upgrades first; these are going to be the most meaningful. I upgraded my sub-chassis to Keel and tone arm to the Ekos SE. Both made a significant difference.

So, I would save your money. Upgrade component after component until you are happy. Then fiddle around with the cables. You’ll get the best sound the fastest.

@tablejockey I hope you are wrong. This is a technical question not a request for comments on the company. I love my Linn… it replaces an excellent VPI and the sound is outstanding. So, disparaging comment are inappropriate.

My post wasn’t intended to start a brawl ! Can anyone recommend a turntable that sounds better than the LP 12 for $1500 which is the cost of the Karousel bearing ? Cheers 

Of course I'm kidding.

It's just that Linn is a polarizing brand. 

Malbor, your second post, which asks a new question, is more incendiary than your OP. Best to stick to your question about limited upgrades to your LP12. Cables seldom fail to make a perceived difference but I agree with ghd; save your money for the major improvements.

Malbor, I owned an LP12 for a few years and I miss the sound. But I will never miss the constant maintenance. Tuning the suspension is a headache and the Linn upgrades are expensive. But when properly set up, ahhh the sound.

i went with a Rega RP10 and am happy with the sound, very close to the LP12, but plan someday to move on to a less proprietary table.

Good Luck

I don’t have a Linn, however, I have heard two superb LP12:

1. vinyl passion - everything looked at and improved - machining quality is wonderful.

2. The funk firm - not sure if they still make it but also a vast improvement over any Linn based mods (I heard a direct comparison) - it changes to a clever 3 pulley drive. 
 

don’t be bought in or conned with buying Linns own

You will be far better off asking about Linn upgrades on the Naim forum. 

You would be far better off getting a new turntable. You don't realize how bad the LP 12 is until you replace it with a good one form SME, Basis, Avid, Dohmann or Sota. 

Mijostyn has a clear, consistent, extreme prejudice against Linn turntables before considering, evaluating, or  accepting his advise you might want to read what he has previously posted hear regarding his turntable playback problems he has a lot of them and unusual "fixes" for each one!

@malbor Here is the question regardless of other folks opinions. Do you enjoy this turntable? Do you see the value of these upgrades? 

If yes then do it!

I have an old Thorens TD145 I keep in my system and I love it. Is is as good as my Clearaudio Performance DC 😏 I don't think so but I still love it.  

OP. “Can anyone recommend a turntable that sounds better than the LP 12 for $1500…”

ok, now You asked for it.

@malbor If you are upgrading the LP12, the place to do it is from the inside out...which is the Linn Protocol. Therefore, the bearing would be the first place to put money. Having said that, your question is still valid in your OP, as the tonearm cable is in fact not that great with an Ittok, so a little money spent there can give you an upswing. The Lingo cable is not in play here, as it is just a low powered power cable and you will not gain anything there. If changing out the tonearm cable disrupts another Linn upgrade due to budget, like the Karousel or power supply, sub chassis etc., then leave that off as well.

Question to @mijostyn How come you have to put your uniformed 2 cents into every LP12 thread...you don’t see folks do the same for your beloved SOTA table threads ( are there even any??).