Back in 1978 you could buy a LP12 for $450 here in the USA. Even less in the UK! Ivor Tiefenbrunn was a clever marketeer and milked the hype about it during the onslaught of cheaper Jap direct drive turntables invading the UK. The LP12 is basically the same as the venerable original AR TT from the early 60's. You want a Super Deck? Buy a Continuum Caliburn!
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.
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….yawn…1978 left a lot to be desired… But the Linn is a worthwhile pursuit, especially IF you need a spring suspension… I suspect that IF Grace was still building a 707… it might advance a bit… other than NOS tubes, who really wants an audio company not focused on continuous improvement… especially improvements that can be retrofitted to products from…. 1978. So nice the previous owner purchased many… PS a 707 was never the equal of even the most Basik ( that is a test and a joke ) of Linn arms… The Rega are good TT… enjoy the music |
I owned an LP12 and loved it, still miss the sound of it. However the LP12 must be “tuned or set up properly” to be fully enjoyed. I had issues with footfall and the LP12 is very susceptible to environmental influence. However is you have a very solid floor or it will be placed on a concrete floor by all means look into it. I actually traded in on the Rega RP10, prior to current model. I am very happy with it but still miss the delicate detail of the LP12. If you do purchase the LP12, please write down the following for any future “tune ups” as this guy is the best. I say that not out comparisons with other dealers, but experience and watching him do the actual set up. His attention to detail is on a parallel of watching a fine watch maker, precision is job 1. He does numberous set ups for customers around the country and will return ship the finished product. Contact Rick Duplisea at Audioalternative.com in Fort Collins Colorado. If you don’t have the box, he will sell and ship you one to properly package it for shipping. Good luck if you buy one as I am sure you will love it. |
Everyone should own a Linn at one time during their audio journey. Hopefully @daveyf will chime in as he knows a lot about the LP12 and the upgrades available. |
Thanks everyone. Some answers came back on age and condition: DOM: early 2000’s Upgrades: New trampoline, tone arm, newer motors control board Power supply / tone arm: I don’t honestly remember, but I’ll get the answer. Condition: Spectacular condition in my opinion Recently serviced: Steve did the motor control board(primary service requirement) literally 3 weeks ago when the client decided to sell. Looks like my local dealer has been performing the service Why selling: Upgraded to VPI Avenger with 2 12” Fatboy tone arms. One with a Hana Umami Red, one with a Clear Audio Charisma Moving Magnet. All in it was around $22,000 Are there any other upgrades that are missing? Other than the retro look (not a fan… looks like my old Dual 1229)… this TT looks like a fun buy. |
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