linn sondek tt

The LP12 is like the broom in 'only fools and horses' - I had the broom for 30 years - I changed the handle 20 times and the head another 30 times...

I bought a used LP-12 with a Cirkus upgrade off e-Bay about 2 years ago. I already had a Linn Ittok LV-II arm. 

I upgraded the power supply and motor to a DC powered motor (Mober - see honmo2000 eBay seller). First time I’d heard a sustained piano note stay solid as a rock. 

I upgraded the subchassis with a Greenstreet Audio sub-chassis. First thing I noticed as a benefit is the arm to spindle geometry was accurate to a point that was beyond my ability to measure it. It fit my LP-12/ittok jig perfect. The standard sub-chassis/armboard in the lower end LP-12s allow for an infinite array of geometry mis-alignments. It’s not hard to align, but the Greenstreet (and Linn’s Keel) completely takes the geometry issue out of the equation. 

Next, I upgraded the bearing and sub-platter with one developed by honmo2000. The surface noise dropped enough to warrant the purchase.

I then added a Tiger Paw Tranquility between the bearing and platter which dropped the surface noise again. There is no noise getting from the sub-chassis/bearing to the playing surface now. 

I’m very intrigued by the Tiger Paw Javelin arm as a replacement for the Ittok and that will probably be my next upgrade. 

I am currently running a VandenHul Frog that replaced a Dynavector XX-II Mk2. 

The LP-12 is an excellent deck to start a journey towards making it state of the art through third-party upgrades. I am not the type who would spend the money for a new LP-12 of any spec, especially the top line spec, which is essentially what I have now, except for the arm. And I have a LOT less invested than a top-spec LP-12. It is equivelant to, and it some ways better than, the exact same recorded piece of music over my Ayre DSD. 

I wouldn’t replace this table with anything on the current market until I was ready to look at linear-tracking tonearms and foot-thick acrylic platter tables. And I’m saying that partially tongue-in-cheek. 

My current (and probably final) system is Parasound JC-3+, Parasound JC-2, Dual ATI AT524NC amps powering a pair of analog x-over Linkwitz LX-521 speakers, all connected with VandenHul Rock or better. My digital front-end is an Ayre QB-9 DSD.

marktrav,
Thanks for sharing I'm using a Lingo 1 now... might want to try the Mober next, the Mober is much more affordable compared to the Radikal. The Javelin looks like a very well engineered arm.. been receiving many good feedbacks. I'm sure it'll be a good upgrade for your system.

btwsg,

Thanks! I also discovered that the Kuzma 4point9 fits my "Keel-Klone" Greenstreet sub-chassis. So, Kuzma in addition to Javelin. Not to mention the various, well-received Audio Origami arms. 

I had initially looked at all the cool aftermarket Linn LP12 parts such as the various sub chassis, top plates and motors. Since I am across the pond in the US and the LP12 does not have as much exposure these days, I felt it would be easier to work with my dealer with standard Linn parts but with the custom plinth.

The nice thing about the LP12 is there are many options and I personally have enjoyed learning about the history of the LP12 and what all the various upgrades and options do. Will help make better and more informed choices. 

Thanks to those who chime in. All your thoughts are very appreciated and helpful.