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

@signaforce I don’t think anyone here is concerned about criticism of the Linn LP12 from folk who have at least a modicum of experience with the table. i certainly am not. However, as I pointed out earlier, the table and Linn and more importantly, Ivor himself, have had a history of being denigrated by folks who have zero experience with the products. This is not a political aspect, because politics is not really involved here. (well at least to the extent that there do not seem to be competitors who might gain something by naysaying, albeit that is possible...but not really what is being discussed here).

Also, your OP was perfectly understandable, and my comments to the thread have nothing to do with you personally.

We have now discussed Leica cameras, Sony cameras and now the anti-semitism against the Tiefenbrun family, back to the table and its merits...of which there are many.

 

@newton_john +1

 

I’ll try to get back on track with a summary of my thoughts on the turntable.

It is perfectly valid to suggest the LP12 might not be the best turntable option for everyone. For example, my grown up children all have ProJects because the LP12 was too expensive.

What we share is a love of vinyl records -- the choice of turntable is secondary. Some people may prefer the sound and looks of a Rega, a Technics or whatever.

Personally, I found that the LP12 had something special about its sound right from the word go. Also, its modular design enables future upgrades, if that’s the way the one is likely to go. You can be confident that Linn will be introducing more upgrades in future. The downside is that they are getting more expensive, but at least there’s a choice.

It’s all a matter of personal preference and tastes. In the UK, we are blessed with a good Linn dealer network. In other parts of the world, lack of service facilities may be a problem.

I regularly hear records on other turntables at a vinyl night in our local pub. Clearly, it does not always have to be an LP12 to enjoy vinyl.

I’ve owned an LP 12 since 1998. Over that time there have been a number of changes that I’ve made- different arm, cartridge, power supply, bearing and chassis. I find it to be an excellent turntable. Are there better? Probably. Do I care? Not one bit. This is my last turntable.

@zavato  While I agree that the LP12 is an excellent table ,and I am a big fan of it, I also think that as the price increases, it begins to bump up against competition that would/should make one choose differently. 

 

I agree @daveyf and if I have not had my LP12 all these year and I were getting into vinyl from the ground floor, I seriously question whether I would choose the LP12, not because it's bad, because there are other excellent options. But I am not about to dump my LP12 at this point!