Upgrade from my Technics SL-1210M5G to a Linn Sondek?

[marantzfan]

The stock SL1200MK2 and M5G models with the stock arm can be modded for a paltry $50 and sound notably better. But the 1200s that are really competing with the upper-echeleon decks are the ones modded to the tune of $2,500, with aftermarket power supply, bearing, platter mat, and sporting a modern SME 309 arm.

At $2500, there's some lofty competition from Rega, Sota, Linn, VPI- even Yamaha's GT-2000 or Technics' own SP-10MK2 and MK3 decks.

These things need to be kept in perspective.:yes:

Considering that I got the Linn for $500; the same amount I paid for the Technics, I figured that if I was going to spend that kind of money upgrading a deck, I'd rather start with the deck thats already a better performer in stock form.

Now, a Linn LP12 with $2500 in upgrades, that would be hard to beat. :yes:

 

[thedelihaus]

Considering that I got the Linn for $500...

$500 for a Linn? Very good Anthony! Never seen one at that price.

...the same amount I paid for the Technics, I figured that if I was going to spend that kind of money upgrading a deck, I'd rather start with the deck thats already a better performer in stock form..

Which in agreement (sound-wise) is the Linn.:yes:

...Now, a Linn LP12 with $2500 in upgrades, that would be hard to beat. :yes:

I wonder what $2500 in upgrades would turn a Linn into- would it be equal to, or better than the VPI Classic III at $6k, or the $5k Rega P9?

What could be done to the Linn for $2500 to up the ante?

 

[voltcontrol]

Slap a Dynavector or Tri Planar tone arm on it?

One guy here did the former;
http://link.marktplaats.nl/424873230

 

[HypnoToad]

The original poster likes the Linn over the Technics. If he had come on and said the other way round he would have been a hero. The Technics is a fine table I use my SL1700 every day. Lets just congratulate him on his find.

Good job MarantzFan and hope you get many years of listening pleasure out of it.:thmbsp:

 

[dogscanskate]

First- thank you for an excellent post. :yes::thmbsp:



Thank you for another look from another angle, re: the arm. Again, great, informative post and I agree-

I do think the table itself is of an excellent basic design- more on that shortly- I really wasn't clear on my point though.

While the basic table design is of smart pedigree and fine tuned to further finesse, I believe the pundits were saying that other companies were also executing the same basic deck- but I glossed over the fact that the Linn tables did refine, tune and finesse the most from the design.

So I do agree with your point here.

What I should have said about the arm is, the better offerings from Linn were exceptionally well executed and real works of industrial art. A true premium icing on a refined cake.:yes:

And what the pundits were saying is the table itself is a simple basic design of good pedigree and smart execution, but shared with others, just a more refined execution- but agreed the upper end Linn arms were superior to what the AR XA offered, or what the Systemdek and Ariston came with in stock form.





I think the basic Linn design has a LOT going for it. This is why the humble AR XA holds up so well, and the Systemdek and Ariston decks. All of these, and the Linn, start with a successful basic design that's just "right".

And why all these are all "tweakable" to eek out more performance.



Indeed. To tout it as equal to the Linn would be a disservice to the audio community and in my opinion, dishonest. I use mine in a bedroom setting, for ease of use, and worry-free performance. It offers very good sound in stock form, and I've avoided modding it, despite the possibility of squeezing better sound from it. Perhaps one day. The mods still will not make it a Linn, but will up the ante, and the deck has no need to hang it's head in shame.




Very true. And one needs to be aware even with fine tuning, maintenance and modifications, at some point you do hit the limitations of the deck.

The stock SL1200MK2 and M5G models with the stock arm can be modded for a paltry $50 and sound notably better. But the 1200s that are really competing with the upper-echeleon decks are the ones modded to the tune of $2,500, with aftermarket power supply, bearing, platter mat, and sporting a modern SME 309 arm.

At $2500, there's some lofty competition from Rega, Sota, Linn, VPI- even Yamaha's GT-2000 or Technics' own SP-10MK2 and MK3 decks.

These things need to be kept in perspective.:yes:

Paul,

You are right on every point you make and I agree on all of the above.

I do get your argument in the previous post that an upgraded Linn arm takes the LP-12 to another level, I've upgraded the arm on my deck and couldn't be happier.

All the decks you've mentioned (AR, Thorens TD-150,Ariston, Systemdek, ) are well executed designs.

I also own a TD-150 that is projected to be refurbished. Dating from the 60's (the AR XA also), I marvel at how these 2 simple designs (suspended decks) took the state of the art to another level.

The LP-12 and TD-150 are so similar that they could very well be siblings. One is the refinement of the other. You can use Linn parts (springs, belt, power supply) on the TD-150 for upgrades.

As you've said, a souped up Technics will garner a lot of attention from potential buyers. Even though decks of different brands may offer different sonic presentations, the fun part is to get the one that draws you into the music.

If anything, I hope most readers understand that giving a deck some TLC can take it to another level performance wise. It's not about who's best but how you can get the best out of your deck!

 

[KentTeffeteller]

I love Linn tables, few in the USA know how to set one up correctly. And Linn dealers are wanting to sell you incessant upgrades. Which add up to big bucks. I'd try to have both, the Linn when right is superb, the Linn when not is hellish to own. Whereas with some sensible mods the Technics is easy to maintain and sounds nice and competitive when tweaked out nicely.