At the bargain price you quote, I would get the LP12 without hesitation. Every single part on the LP12 is repairable, replaceable, or upgradeable. If it dates from the early 2000, then the plinth will be solid and have all the extra braces that were added from the original design. The bearing should be upgraded to the Karousel level, which also includes new inner platter and all the spring suspension parts. If the tonearm board is old, I’d replace that as well, to match whatever tonearm you put on. Now you will have a great TT to use. From this point on, upgrades to arm, cartridge, and power supply are up to your ears and wallet. As others mention, your phono-amp will play a huge part in the sound you elicit. As I have previously written about here, my own Covid-project was building my own LP12 plinth from solid walnut, and upgrading many parts (Karousel, Ekos) as I built it up (I got a jig to hold everything as I assembled it, and set it up myself--it’s not rocket science!). You will end up with a fantastic turntable that you will enjoy using indefinitely.
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.