Should I replace my LP12?

Pscialli,

Better than an Lp12 for 2.5k USD... fuhgeddaboutit!
Different... that's up to your ears.

Here's another vote to keep the Linn Sondek because it's not cost effective to sell it. Still have mine since 1982.

But something is confusing me here...what prey tell is a goldmund platter doing on a Lp12?

I would suggest up-grades, you have a great reference table. Do you have the Cirkus bearing? It is outstanding. It single handedly cut surface noise (which was low to begin with) in half and then a whole lot of previously unheard low level detail came out to play. This was a bigger upgrade than even the Lingo power supply, which would also be a very substantial improvement over the Valhalla. And then there is a Ekos arm, with the new Ekos SE arm on the market, I think some close watching over the AudioGon used equipment ads may garner you a value.

Last but not least, how long has it been since you had your dealer reset-up your deck? I would also be curious to what cartridge you’re fitted with, and if it is a competent MC, what phono-amp your running. LOL.

Happy Listening!

I agree with the other folks. You might be pleasantly suprised by the Lingo/Ekos upgrade. I'm not a big Linn fan but the LP 12 is a tough one to beat.

I think there is a very, very high probability you will do better upgrading your LP12 with the funds you have than buying something new. Actually, I think it is pretty much a certainty. If you had 5k to 7.5k to spend, then maybe you could try something else (e.g, Michell Orb with an appropriate tonearm). I don't know that something would for sure be better than a *Keeled* LP12, which you get for the same kind of money, but it could be.

But LP12's are untouchable for the money on the used market, so long as they are properly serviced and set up. Other table's I've heard for around 2.5 K simply don't belong in the same room with even a reasonably tricked out LP12. And 2.5 K will definitely trick out your current LP 12: $600 for cirkus bearing (new and installed by a dealer), and then $1000 for a used Lingo II power supply. That leaves you with $900, which after you sell your Ittok, should buy you a used Ekos II with T cable.

Although there are some strong anti LP12 opinions out there, most of whom have never heard the modern version of the table, I just don't believe you could possibly do better than this with your money.

P.S. You have to have a dealer or Linn tech involved in all this. DIY is a bad idea with LP 12's for most people - you are pretty sure to end up hearing only 50% of what you could out of the table. Also, get that Goldmund platter off your table! Get a proper LP 12 platter and use a felt mat. The LP 12 is designed and precision engineered to have the parts it does - they are not randomly interchangeable. Granted there are some companies that make modifications that have a following (e.g., Funk), but I never have heard of a Goldmund platter being one of them.

You should give a VPI Scout or Nottingham Analogue's Spacedeck a try if you want a different flavour from a Linn.
Those smaller tables are not as bad as their lager ones. imho.

Neither tables groove as well as a well-set up Linn, but they are easier to set up and at least keep the nice flow of music going.

A Linn upgrade path is quite costly these days, and I am not sure if you should stick to it especially if you are wanting something *new*.

However, a Lingo II is a worthwhile upgrade for the money, and will address some of your issues.

Just curious, has your table maintained by a competent set up man?

Not doubting your ability to do it yourself, but it's not as easy as it looks to make the Sondek sing as intended.

Thanks all for your comments. R_F, I had the table realligned, etc. about a year ago by the local dealer, Gifted Listener, here in NOrthern VA. I do have the Cirkus and Trampalin mods. I'm not certain of the precise origin of the Goldmund platter. I bought the table used at Stereo Exchange in the Village in NYC. IT had been modified with that platter and new arm wires for the Ittok. Maybe the Keel and Ekos are the way to go. The current cartridge is a Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood II. Up until recently, the phono stage was an ARC PH5, but now I'm shopping for other things. I'm not sure where I will end up there. At some point, maybe I'll just dabble in used versions of some of the other tables to see whose flavor I like best. Where should I go to get an original platter? I'm supposing the dealer can order it.