Linn LP12 advice needed!
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adpopulum
Well-Known Member
Varied opinions on this table. Spend some time on Google and you won't know what to buy!
Check this out if you have not done so alreadyhttp://www.vinylengine.com/linn-lp12-history-and-upgrade-path.shtml
I pickud up a pre valhalla, post Nirvana (c. 1982) with a Mission 774 arm and Ortofon MC30 cart in mint condition a few years ago, and while some say you must get a more up to date version I disagree as I am very happy with the deck. I am in the process of upgrading it with a Valhalla PS and I'll probably leave it at that. Some argue the upgraded plinth is crucial but again, mine is lovely to listen to so I guess I don't miss what I don't know :thmbsp:
Check this out if you have not done so alreadyhttp://www.vinylengine.com/linn-lp12-history-and-upgrade-path.shtml
I pickud up a pre valhalla, post Nirvana (c. 1982) with a Mission 774 arm and Ortofon MC30 cart in mint condition a few years ago, and while some say you must get a more up to date version I disagree as I am very happy with the deck. I am in the process of upgrading it with a Valhalla PS and I'll probably leave it at that. Some argue the upgraded plinth is crucial but again, mine is lovely to listen to so I guess I don't miss what I don't know :thmbsp:
Provanance
A properly set up LP-12 is a joy -yup - the newer ones are better sounding than old - but simply because of economics I've been using a heavily modded LP-12 with a outboard Valhalla power supply for decades. By no means all - but a LOT of LP-12's have been messed with by enthusiastic and incompetent former owners/service techs.I would strongly suggest if at all possible that actually auditioning before buying is the way to go - depends of course on your location and level of patience to wait for this opportunity..
A properly set up LP-12 is a joy -yup - the newer ones are better sounding than old - but simply because of economics I've been using a heavily modded LP-12 with a outboard Valhalla power supply for decades. By no means all - but a LOT of LP-12's have been messed with by enthusiastic and incompetent former owners/service techs.I would strongly suggest if at all possible that actually auditioning before buying is the way to go - depends of course on your location and level of patience to wait for this opportunity..
vinylkid58
Super Member
Buy the LP12 if you have an understanding back manager! Going down the upgrade line will work well but it will certainly cost you. Just going for the actual Linn mods will make your bank managers heart skip a beat!
That is exactly what I did some years ago and I did end up with a very good TT, only problem is that it cost me a fortune and even more could be done. In the end I finally conceded and sold the TT for big money to a Jap Ebayer and went out an spent the profits (?) on a nice plug and play without an upgrade trail.
In the end you must do what you want to, The LP12 can be a very good TT! albeit expensive.
That is exactly what I did some years ago and I did end up with a very good TT, only problem is that it cost me a fortune and even more could be done. In the end I finally conceded and sold the TT for big money to a Jap Ebayer and went out an spent the profits (?) on a nice plug and play without an upgrade trail.
In the end you must do what you want to, The LP12 can be a very good TT! albeit expensive.
ddarch
Super Member
:thmbsp::thmbsp::thmbsp:
Upgradietts
I agree that the upgrade path has become stunningly expensive - but even a stock pretty old LP-12 if it's been properly set up will deliver a lot of musical pleasure darn near forever - and these are pretty affordable. BUT -check the bottom bearing -these do need to be oiled very infrequently - but my latest LP-12 essentially was dry when I purchased it- as have been a number of ancient and honorable TT's I've been thru in the last few years.AND on really old units (white sleeve) you must not use the black oil that Linn has been using for decades.Finally - these are belt drive TT's - I continue to be amazed how many users will simply ignore belt replacement (dead easy on this design) - this is the equivalent of never checking or replacing your oil in a car engine.Time and use will not be your belts friend.Neither oiling or replacing belts needs to be done at all frequently - but they do not last for decades of "benign" neglect.
I agree that the upgrade path has become stunningly expensive - but even a stock pretty old LP-12 if it's been properly set up will deliver a lot of musical pleasure darn near forever - and these are pretty affordable. BUT -check the bottom bearing -these do need to be oiled very infrequently - but my latest LP-12 essentially was dry when I purchased it- as have been a number of ancient and honorable TT's I've been thru in the last few years.AND on really old units (white sleeve) you must not use the black oil that Linn has been using for decades.Finally - these are belt drive TT's - I continue to be amazed how many users will simply ignore belt replacement (dead easy on this design) - this is the equivalent of never checking or replacing your oil in a car engine.Time and use will not be your belts friend.Neither oiling or replacing belts needs to be done at all frequently - but they do not last for decades of "benign" neglect.
DaveyW
Well-Known Member
There was a very informative article written by Ken Kessler in the June '97 edition of Hi-Fi News, comparing an original 1972 LP12 to the then latest 25 Year Anniversary all bells and whistles edition.
Blind listening with a number of knowledgable parties on a varied selection of tracks.
And..........it was a mightly close call.
Against the chosen selection criteria the overall scores (out of 10) were;
1972: 5.9
1997: 6.4
This article is pretty much the reason why I've never felt the urge to tred the upgrade path with my mid 80's Sondek.
Blind listening with a number of knowledgable parties on a varied selection of tracks.
And..........it was a mightly close call.
Against the chosen selection criteria the overall scores (out of 10) were;
1972: 5.9
1997: 6.4
This article is pretty much the reason why I've never felt the urge to tred the upgrade path with my mid 80's Sondek.
vinylkid58
Super Member
I wouldn't let a 15 year old article stop you from upgrading your deck a little. If you're using a Valhalla PS, a Hercules II is a step in the right direction, followed by a Sole sub-chassis.
jeff
DaveyW
Well-Known Member
Hi Jeff,
Hercules is one option that I might be tempted by, if only to deliver an easy op for 45RPM.
But currently running a second auto TT for the rare occasion I spin any singles.
For the moment am quite happy putting any spare funds into new vinyl rather than h/ware.
In fact a 10 disc DISCOGS order is on it's way right now
Cheers
Dave
Hercules is one option that I might be tempted by, if only to deliver an easy op for 45RPM.
But currently running a second auto TT for the rare occasion I spin any singles.
For the moment am quite happy putting any spare funds into new vinyl rather than h/ware.
In fact a 10 disc DISCOGS order is on it's way right now
Cheers
Dave
