Linn Sondek LP12 impressions

I've owned mine for 23 yrs without a problem and it sounds wonderful!

Nice thing about Linn Axis is its easy to setup right, is said to have Sondek-like sound and can be had used these days still for a pittance compared to modern SOTA table. And I still find the sound and performance hard to fault, and I've heard a lot of different vinyl rigs over the years.

The Linn LP12 has gone through many variations. The latest is the LP12 SE version with the Keel sub chassis, the Radikal Dynamik power supply and the Ekos SE tonearm with the Kandid cartridge. Whether the TT competes with the current crop of SOTA TT's is another question. I brought this question up to the Linn forum and was quickly flamed to death...:0(
However, IMO, it is a valid question, particularly as the top end LP12SE is now priced at or above the competition. IMHO, the arm mount and the inflexibility of arm choices is a MAJOR detriment to an otherwise still great design.

I had always enjoyed my LP12 for almost 20 years. Nothing else did it for me until I heard the AVID turntables. I have a Volvere Sequel now. AVID have the ability to give you midrange depth of a suspended TT and also have the pace, timing, and frequency range of a non-suspended table.

I still like my Linn Axis from 1987.

I have to disagree about the constant tweaking thing. I thought that too before I owned one. Once set up properly, it should maintain it's alignment for years and it shouldn't need anything until you change the cartridge. Even then, it's probably only a matter of minor adjustments. But I do agree you need a very good setup person.

Of course, if you're the kind of person that will live in the state of constant grief, worrying that the table needs tweaking, you're probably better off with a different table.

The sound can be very good, or not so good depending on the setup. The problem is that if you get someone who really can set up your Linn, by the time you get it home, it's out of adjustment. I had the official Linn manual which explains the adjustment procedure, but don't know what I did with it. It really needs constant tweeking to keep its setup.

There is so much written on the pros and cons of the Linn that you could spend the next 5 years reading about it. It is without a doubt one of the most polarizing discussions in audio. That said, IMO a used LP12 with an Ittok or Ekos arm is an excellent buy, provided you have a good setup person.

Just pop into PFM with the same question and you'll get an earful of Linn (and most likely a knuckle sandwich to boot).

The LP12 dead or dying? I think not! :)

" I was wondering if anyone still uses these old designed turntables?"

There are many dedicated LP12 users even today and also many Linn specialists who rebuild and upgrade them. I happen to like the Linn house sound, but yeah it's an old design and needs TLC to maintain them.

It never was a Reference. That is based on Marketing only, a brilliant concept. The table itself is mediocre in sound stability and wrong in reproduction (that was the birth of PRaT, another marketing legend was born). A simple midrange pusher.

I no longer run a Linn LP12, but I respect the brand and its longevity and feel no need to disparage their users or the name.