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Used Linn sondek lp12 worth?

Hi guys,

It's been a lont time since I've last posted....and I would seriously need your help.

Well, for the first time of my life, I have decided to get into vinyls (and therefore consider myself a newbie) and might have an opportunity to get my hands on a used TT.

I could get a Linn sondek lp12 circa 1988 from one of my best friend's mother. It has the Valhalla power supply, a SME Series III tonearm and an AKG P8ES Supernova VDH II S  moving magnet cartridge.

The lp12 has received both a Trampoline 2 and cirkus upgrades in 2015 from a Linn dealer. Also the cartridge has been rebuilt with a new suspension and a new VDH shibata stylus, again in late 2015.

Overall condition is very very good.

My friend's mother is nearing 80 years-old and is struggling with serious health issues. She has therefore decided to part with (among other things) her lp12. No shipping would be needed as she lives 30 minutes from my place. I could pick her TT up personally. 

She wants 900$ for it. 

Now, I have absolutely NO IDEA what her TT is worth?

I have tried to search the Web on various audio sites to get an idea about the lp12's prices BUT they really are all over the place !!!

Should I go for it at 900$ and take the plunge ? Am I getting ripped off or is it the other way around (I wouldn't want to take advantage of her either)?

I want both her and me to settle for a fair price. What would be a reasonable $$ settlement? 

Hoping for your advices

Thank you very much for your help.

Sincere regards
marcandr
varyat's avatar
varyat
145 posts
 
Glad you are taking the plunge marcandr! The LP12 is a special turntable. I hope you "get it " and enjoy the hell out of it- it is a very musical deck.
If you have a local Linn dealer ( HUGE bonus btw ), I would consider swapping out that AKG cartridge to a more modern design.  After a  while with the deck you may want to improve it a bit- your Linn dealer may be able to help you with a second hand Lingo PS and new arm. Keep an open mind- these changes do translate in real performance gains.One of the charms of the LP12 is that there are a lot of upgrades available which when taken to "Full Spec" will provide you with a truly excellent analog source. Have fun!
ATB,
Mark

mmakshak
589 posts
 
Be very careful moving the deck.  You don't want to have the parts move(spindle bottoming out; arm moving; springs violently being affected[the springs hold up the arm board and platter].  I would suggest you consider Mapleshade's maple board and rubber/cork/rubber footers as a minimum(under $100) stand under the table, unless the Trampolin is the metal one.  I base this last advice on results from an Ariston rd110 turntable, which was not set up correctly.
ilikmangos
19 posts
 
That is a screaming deal for that deck.   The Cirkus kit alone, if installed in 2015, cost almost $900.
roseofsa's avatar
roseofsa
51 posts
 
900 is a very good price for the Linn. Go get it before I do.
russbutton's avatar
russbutton
429 posts
 
That's a very fair price.  Frankly I think she could get more than that for it were she to list it here on Audiogon.  Snap it up if you've got the money and want a decent turntable.
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