Linn LP12......That good??

holmejr@cox.net
If you have not read Salvatore's comments on the Linn here http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Tables.html, I stongly urge you to do so. I came to the same conclusion about the Linn long before I discovered his site. Nevertheless, this does not mean you should not keep your Linn. It is a musical table and, if you like its characteristic sound, you may not be happy switching to the Scoutmaster (or any other tt for that matter). If you are interested in continuing this discussion, please email me.

I sold and set-up Linns (circa 1975) and I have owned the Ariston RD11, Oracles (several), Rega, Thorens, Maplenoles (several), SOTAs (several) and, finally, the VPI TNT. I have compared the Linn (a recent version) with a SOTA and my VPI TNT. I preferred it to the SOTA but it was not even close to the TNT. The Linn was also substantially better than my Ariston and my Rega 3. However, I do agree with Arthur Salvatore's assessment of the Linn - it is still worth buying, if you can get it for less than half list price - but there are many more modern designs that are clearly superior for the same or less money.

Newmanoc,
Obviously, my comment about Salvatore has struck a nerve. I am certain that his critism of the Linn has made many people quite upset. But I do not have a blog, I have never been called "crusty" (at least not to my face) and I certainly do not have a persecution complex. However, I have had a lot of experience with many turntables over the past 30 years and I essentially agree with Salvatore's position on the Linn. I have also had many friends over the years who have used Linns and some that still do. I am sure that, even those that have moved on to better tables, would never lament their years with the Linn; however, I am equally certain none would want to go back to the Linn having experienced superior sound from more modern designs. On the subject of marketing: Linn wrote the book on marketing in the high end audio and, like all very successful marketing schemes, there is a considerable amount of hype and exageration (even untruths) in statements made.

Ho-hum, this is getting tiresome.
Newmanoc - I'm very happy that you are happy with your Linn. Really!
I am also very happy with my TNT.
Shall we leave it at that.