Early Linn LP12, Kenwood 550 + Michell TecnoArm or Thorens 145 MkII?

[gguillaumee]

Hello there,

I'm considering an upgrade from my Pro-Ject Debut III + Ortofon 2M Blue with a budget around $1000 and came across a few options at hi-fi stores nearby. Before I get a little too deep into an online rabbit hole, I would really appreciate your feedback on those 3 offers, all serviced and in great condition.

1. Thorens 145 MkII - $600. Comes with a Nagaoka MP100 that I would probably upgrade.
2. Kenwood KD550 + Michell TechnoArm - $1,200. I have a soft spot for these DD Japanese decks, this one looks nothing like those vintage wooden plinths decks I could also fall for, but I've read good things about Kenwoods (sturdy, super precised), and this Michell TecnoArm has drawn my interest. Maybe this combo is worth the try?
3. Linn LP12 early version + Jelco 750 tonearm + Valhalla power supply upgrade - $1,700. We're falling a little outside my initial budget scope but the iconic name caught my attention. Some people seem to disregard early versions of the LP12. Are they picky?

Sorry for the mixed bag, I understand these are very different beasts, but I'm willing to take new sonic paths with an open mind! Also, I listen to jazz a lot, if it makes any difference

Merci!
Guillaume

 

[Nashou66]

I vote for the Kenwood .

Nashou

 

[Grenadeslio]

Hello there,

I'm considering an upgrade from my Pro-Ject Debut III + Ortofon 2M Blue with a budget around $1000 and came across a few options at hi-fi stores nearby. Before I get a little too deep into an online rabbit hole, I would really appreciate your feedback on those 3 offers, all serviced and in great condition.

1. Thorens 145 MkII - $600. Comes with a Nagaoka MP100 that I would probably upgrade.
2. Kenwood KD550 + Michell TechnoArm - $1,200. I have a soft spot for these DD Japanese decks, this one looks nothing like those vintage wooden plinths decks I could also fall for, but I've read good things about Kenwoods (sturdy, super precised), and this Michell TecnoArm has drawn my interest. Maybe this combo is worth the try?
3. Linn LP12 early version + Jelco 750 tonearm + Valhalla power supply upgrade - $1,700. We're falling a little outside my initial budget scope but the iconic name caught my attention. Some people seem to disregard early versions of the LP12. Are they picky?

Sorry for the mixed bag, I understand these are very different beasts, but I'm willing to take new sonic paths with an open mind! Also, I listen to jazz a lot, if it makes any difference

Merci!
Guillaume

First, all great tables but only going to comment on the Kenny as I have one similar. I also have a Thorens TD166MKII, nice table but not the 145.

The Kenwood in all practicality is the KD500 now that it no longer has the OEM arm. I have a 500 with a Grace G707 arm and Grace cartridge installed, very schveet and better than the TD166MKII if that matters. But these tables can be had for considerably less than $1200, have no idea the value of the Michell arm.

With the Grace, or an Infinity Black Widow 1/2 that price, and with patience $450 and less so there's that.

Mine with the Grace arm.

 

[fiddlefye]

With an early Linn I'd say much depends upon condition of a few aspects. How is the bearing - has it been upgraded sometime? How is the suspension? If it hasn't been updated with new springs etc. by now it will probably need it. Also - how are your set-up skills? Linns need some careful set up to sound their best. The Kenwood would certainly be the easiest to maintain and the one you're looking at has (IMHO) the best arm of the three.

 

[gguillaumee]

With an early Linn I'd say much depends upon condition of a few aspects. How is the bearing - has it been upgraded sometime? How is the suspension? If it hasn't been updated with new springs etc. by now it will probably need it. Also - how are your set-up skills? Linns need some careful set up to sound their best. The Kenwood would certainly be the easiest to maintain and the one you're looking at has (IMHO) the best arm of the three.

The only upgrade mentioned is the power supply. Here is the description of the ad -the store looks pretty legit. I will ask them about it. My setup skills do not really go beyond levelling a deck and setting up a cartridge. I do have a good amount of hifi stores where I live (Montreal) who could help me out if needed.
Thanks also for your feedback on the Kenwood, that's what I've read about the tonearm. Now wondering if a quality arm is the X factor that will make a big difference.

 

[gguillaumee]

First, all great tables but only going to comment on the Kenny as I have one similar. I also have a Thorens TD166MKII, nice table but not the 145.

The Kenwood in all practicality is the KD500 now that it no longer has the OEM arm. I have a 500 with a Grace G707 arm and Grace cartridge installed, very schveet and better than the TD166MKII if that matters. But these tables can be had for considerably less than $1200, have no idea the value of the Michell arm.

With the Grace, or an Infinity Black Widow 1/2 that price, and with patience $450 and less so there's that.

Mine with the Grace arm.
View attachment 2202038

Thanks again for all the great feedback yesterday! I'll do my homework on all these nice Kenwood models you shared

 

[billyz]

I have a linn lp12 , somewhat early . It has the Vahalla power supply ( rebuilt and improved). The jelco 750d is a fine arm but I believe the lp12 has more perceived value if it sports the ittock tonearm. They are not that hard to setup . Just elevate the table (4 soup cans) so as to easily get under and adjust the suspension mounts while monitoring the top plate and tonearm base. One of the most enjoyable turntables I have ever owned .

 

[fiddlefye]

I have a linn lp12 , somewhat early . It has the Vahalla power supply ( rebuilt and improved). The jelco 750d is a fine arm but I believe the lp12 has more perceived value if it sports the ittock tonearm. They are not that hard to setup . Just elevate the table (4 soup cans) so as to easily get under and adjust the suspension mounts while monitoring the top plate and tonearm base. One of the most enjoyable turntables I have ever owned .

It isn't that it is that hard to set up a Linn - I've set up a number of suspended tables including my Ariston RD-11S without trouble. One does have to persevere and pay close attention and really get the "bounce" just right. Everything just comes into focus and the bass cleans right up when all is dialed in.