Linn LP12 turntable
I was in my favorite audio store yesterday talking turntables… Rega P10, MoFi MasterDeck etc, when he stated he had a Linn LP12 he was selling for a customer at $2,400 & the customer had $14K (with upgrades) into it. Intriguing, but knew nothing about Linn. After my research, people seem to love it or hate it. But it is installed in many fine audiogon systems.
I would like your thoughts and recommendations.
I have asked the following questions of the dealer:
1. Date of production
2. Upgrades that have been added
3. Power supply / tone arm
4. Condition
5. Recently serviced
I have not yet seen it, but it is there now. What other questions should I ask?
My current analog system:
Pro-ject 1xpression carbon classic with Hana ML
Rega Aria
PS Audio BHK pre
Simaudio Moon 330A amp
KEF R11’s
Advise would be greatly appreciated.
I have had many turntables over the years and currently own three. 1- Nottingham Systemdeck with Koetsu RSP cartridge 2- New Rega P10 with Transfiguration Proteus D cartridge 3- Four year old Linn LP 12, Lingo 3 and many other upgrades with Grado Aeon 3 cartridge. Of the three, it's the LP12 which brings me the most joy. I did add a steel wall mount to eliminate footfall issues. For what it's worth, the LP12 kicked out of my system a VPI Classic 3 Signature table. |
@awise1961 A very interesting observation, in that you own both but prefer your LP12 over your P10. If you don’t mind sharing, why specifically does your LP12 bring you more joy? The LP12 with the AEON 3 has that midrange bliss with very good bass and upper end detail that suits my ears well. My other setups are wonderful as well with the P10 providing more detail and still great bass. The Rega RB1000 is a great tonearm. I like the LP12's Lingo 3 power supply. My TT power supplies get installed behind the door in a salamander cabinet. When I want to pause the LP12, I use the swith on the TT itself. With the Rega, there is no such swith on the TT. You have to press a button on the power supply which means opening the cabinet door and first moving any LP's which may be waiting in the wings in front of it. I'm listening to Steely Dan Gaucho via the LP 12 as I write this and it is beautiful The rest of my system consists of a Conrad Johnson TEA3 phono stage into a CJ GAT S1 preamp into CJ LP276M tube monoblocks into Wilson Alexia speakers. Al cabling is Audience Front Row. This all resides in a dedicated listening room which measures 23' X 25' with a vaulted ceiling. In this system, for me, the LP12 is very musical. Your system will possibly invoke a different outcome. |
