Living in the UK and being a vinyl addict for over 40 years, I only started buying CDs relatively recently, the LP12 was the holy grail so to speak. I had a couple of LP12s and the design was good in it's day, I used it in the, then, classic naim 135s, isobariks system. The later LP12 (1990) was upgraded over time with cirkus, lingo, etc up to, probably, the 2004 spec. It had a an ekos ii arm and the last cartridge was an Ortofon Jubilee.
At the time the LP12 had just been serviced and was in top condition.
I was investigating possible TT and phono stage upgrades so took the deck to a dealer to compare.
I listened to a Mitchell gyrodeck also fitted with an ekos and a mid range lyra cart (cheaper than, the then, top ortofon).
Compared with the LP12, every thing else amps speakers etc the same, I preferred the music played on the Gyrodeck. I had taken my own records so knew the music well.
I was surprised to say the least as the Gyrodeck was much cheaper than the Linn.
I also compared the LP12 to a Roksan deck/arm/cart which also gave a better presentation than the Linn.
This was an epiphany like moment I decided to change the whole system over time.
I initially got hold of an SME 20/2a and this gave much more detail and precision than the Linn.
I now have a Kuzma XL which seems to dig out the minutest detail from the record. Tremendous dynamics, depth and scale even on orchestral music, given a good recording needless to say.
A "modestly priced" deck I have been impressed with is the WT Amadeus. I did not hear it in direct comparison with any thing else but it sounded excellent with a wide range of music.
At the time the LP12 had just been serviced and was in top condition.
I was investigating possible TT and phono stage upgrades so took the deck to a dealer to compare.
I listened to a Mitchell gyrodeck also fitted with an ekos and a mid range lyra cart (cheaper than, the then, top ortofon).
Compared with the LP12, every thing else amps speakers etc the same, I preferred the music played on the Gyrodeck. I had taken my own records so knew the music well.
I was surprised to say the least as the Gyrodeck was much cheaper than the Linn.
I also compared the LP12 to a Roksan deck/arm/cart which also gave a better presentation than the Linn.
This was an epiphany like moment I decided to change the whole system over time.
I initially got hold of an SME 20/2a and this gave much more detail and precision than the Linn.
I now have a Kuzma XL which seems to dig out the minutest detail from the record. Tremendous dynamics, depth and scale even on orchestral music, given a good recording needless to say.
A "modestly priced" deck I have been impressed with is the WT Amadeus. I did not hear it in direct comparison with any thing else but it sounded excellent with a wide range of music.