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. 

128x128signaforce

Showing 1 response by sealegs

I would think the Linn is a no-brainer because it would likely be sellable for around the same amount if you were less than satisfied. 
 

I had a similar opportunity around 1993.  I had been using a Rega 3 and was generally happy but still wanted a serious TT the likes of which I couldn’t afford.  One day, my favorite salesman at CSA Audio in NJ called me and told me to get there now.  He has a pre-owned Linn LP 12 that was being traded in for a newer shiner TT.  It was basically unused for the 2 years he owned it.  They wanted $900 and the LP12 TT’s at that time we’re going for >$3K. One of the best purchases I ever made for my system.  A different league from the R3.  Everything on the Linn works as it did 30 years ago.  I know there have been many upgrade possibilities since then (this was pre-Lingo).  But my biggest problem has been getting my digital playback to come close to the pleasure I get from my Linn,  I’ve spent way more on my digital playback which appears to be a bottomless pit for spending money.