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

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’.
If I buy this TT, over the last 2 months I will have purchased over $25K worth of outstanding audio for only $8.5K. The LP12 is not my first choice, but it’s price performance appears to be excellent. 
I would be happy to hear recommendations for any follow on purchases. Thanks 

 

 

If that can help you , I did an AB comparison between a brand new Rega P10 and a used LP12 Karousel, Kore, Akito B3, Lingo 3 PS, and Trampoline. Both mounted with a Hana SL. The winner was clearly the LP 12. Better soundstage and bass among others. Recently upgraded the Akito to the Arko. Wow! Even better openness , dynamics , bass and soundstage. IMHO a minimum Lingo PS and Akito tonearm , Kore, and Karousel is what is takes to make the LP 12 comparable to newer high end turntables. Good luck and keep us posted.

@sealegs Even my lowly Pro-ject (they get no respect) teamed with the Hana ML &  Rega Aria easily bests my Aurender - Qutest - Qobuz digital combo & kills my CD - Qutest digital combo. Hopefully the LP12 widens that gap further…