The problem with LP12 upgrades is that the cost of an upgraded LP12 puts it into competition with a lot of newer turntables which, depending on the listener, may or may not be better. In its original form, the LP 12 was nothing special at all - woolly bass and sloppy sounding and lots of people who were not deafened by the hype preferred a Rega 3. It has gotten better over the years, admittedly. BTW, even back in the 80s when people were upgrading from the Grace 707 to the Ittok, the bearings in every 707 I ever saw were shot. Admittedly, they might survive with a high compliance MM, but most 707s were sold with the Supex 900 MC.
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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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. |
At the $2400 price, provided that all upgrades have been done properly, IMHO you're getting an incredible bargain. There's a sense of realism that the LP12 has that has always made it stand out from other turntables. The mere fact that it has been around for half a century and continues to be one of the more popular hi-end turntables only serves as further proof of this. Especially since this turntable faces competion that is far more expensive and oftentimes not as good. Best of luck with the LP12 if you decide to purchase it! 👍
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Personal thoughts….nothing else..,,but highly relevant…..l think? Car dealerships in the UK potentially make more money on after sales service (Yearly MOT’s, Services, Finance and extended warranty’s) than they do actually selling you the new car. Are Linn (and it’s dealerships) in the same ball park? When buying a new car you have made up your mind what extras are wanted and you know what performance you want. I see no difference with buying a record player……
It is a wonder that Linn have never produced a new better model (than the LP12) to negate all the upgradeitus. Is that a real word?. A phrase often used in the hi-fi world in the UK for people who were never satisfied (and possibly a mental illness) for constantly changing their equipment. The answer is possibly the same….that dealerships like money thrown at an old model maybe more than selling you a ‘new one’ ????
l know personally that when running an old car there are limits to how much l would be willing to throw at the dealer to just keep it on the road, rather than trade it and buy a new better one.
The question l am posing here is….Are the two scenarios any different from each other?
Thats my Logic! |
@tablejockey Your definition of ‘cheap out’ and mine are obviously different. Almost all audio components can be bettered regardless of price, with diminishing returns. I have been on an upgrade path with many recent additions. Over the last 2 months I upgraded my amp (LSA > Moon) & preamp (Rogue > BHK)… both significant upgrades to sound. My turntable is next. This Linn appears to be great addition. I don’t know yet what cart is installed on the LP12, but I understand it has about 300 hours left on it. I will either leave it on or swap to my Hana ML. Follow on plans in order of focus: DAC: Qutest > ? Phono Stage: Rega Aria > ? Cart: Hana ML > Unami Red or Blue assuming a Hana trade in program I am more constrained by space than by funds, but by choice, my funds are not unlimited. I much prefer price performance, and like our new president, the ‘art of the deal’.
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