Linn Axis: Any good?

[stairpost]

Hello.

Anyone used one or had a good listen?

Are they any good or are there better ways to spend £250-300 on a deck?

Interested in all opinions

Rich.

[Scooby]

They aren't bad, as long as you get one with an Akito.

[stairpost]

They aren't bad, as long as you get one with an Akito.

Thanks, I shall keep that in mind, I do see them with the Akito on eBay now and again, I had an Akito on a basic LP12 and thought it did it's job pretty well.

Is aren't bad and good the same thing?

[Natara]

I had one for a couple of years (my first proper player) and thought it was excellent for 2-300 quid you can't go wrong really, it doesn't have the set up issues of some more expensive decks and although the akito is considered the better arm the Basik Plus I had was pretty good fitted with a Denon 110 it was more than adequate.

[walpurgis]

They are a decent turntable, but are quite complex electronically.

http://i67.tinypic.com/a2y74i.jpg

If you see what I mean.

They tend to be reliable, but can play up.



To be honest, I'd sooner spend less money on a good Goldring Lenco GL75. Nice and simple mechanically, sounds very decent in stock form and has limitless upgrade possibilities.

[Scooby]

Thanks, I shall keep that in mind, I do see them with the Akito on eBay now and again, I had an Akito on a basic LP12 and thought it did it's job pretty well.

Is aren't bad and good the same thing?

Imthink it's a good deck. There are better sounding decks out there but it does sound invitingly musical and it's a pretty user-friendly deck.

[Stryder5]

Simple and has great potential, also with Akito, Linn Basic, or is it k, can't remember

[WAD62]

I had one for a couple of years (my first proper player) and thought it was excellent for 2-300 quid you can't go wrong really, it doesn't have the set up issues of some more expensive decks and although the akito is considered the better arm the Basik Plus I had was pretty good fitted with a Denon 110 it was more than adequate.

Here's mine, Basik with Denon 110 too...:)

18825

Been going well since '88...although I'd suggest there are probably better S/H options for 2-300 quid :eyebrows:

[hifi_dave]

Back in the day, as Linn dealers, we struggled to sell the Axis against the Rega Planar-3 and that was a lot cheaper. We also had some troubles with the Axis power supply.

[WAD62]

Back in the day, as Linn dealers, we struggled to sell the Axis against the Rega Planar-3 and that was a lot cheaper. We also had some troubles with the Axis power supply.

I think the subsequent release of the Linn Basik turntable further undermined the Axis as a VFM option...however that wasn't available in '88

For me the big attraction at the time was electronic speed change, as I've got lots of 12" singles/EPs etc.

Previously I'd had an Ariston RB40 that required a platter removal and belt adjustment just to change speed, so the Axis made a lot of sense to me...;)

I've heard about the PSU reliability issues, however mine is original and still going strong...I'd suggest that the suspension diaphragm (an odd design) is worth checking out, as if damaged can make leveling the deck a real pain...:eyebrows:

It's outclassed by the rest of my system now, however I probably don't play records enough to justify an upgrade...but it can't go on forever! ;)

[stairpost]

Thanks for all the input.

On the whole it all seems quite positive.

I'm after a deck to last me till I have the funds for my 'final deck', I think the Axis might be worth trying for a while, it's either that or a stock 1200/1210 that I have had an itch to try for a while.

[Scooby]

I guess a litmus test is "would I own one again". Answer for me is "definitely" as long as it had the Akito. My first one many years ago had the Basik LVX and it wasn't anywhere near as good.

I've had a Basik turntable and a couple of Rega 3s in my time and the Axis/Akito was definitely better than them. Always enjoyable IMO.

[Clifford.T Ward]

Many people seem to find an Axis or Basik not so good with the Linn Basik arm .....to my mind you need an Akito and the Basik is every bit as good as an Axis if you put it on a good firm surface :)

[Stryder5]

Many people seem to find an Axis or Basik not so good with the Linn Basik arm .....to my mind you need an Akito and the Basik is every bit as good as an Axis if you put it on a good firm surface :)

Agreed, mine is on a Sound Organisation 2 shelf spiked onto the top of another Sound Organisation 2 shelf spiked onto a solid floor.

[bob4333]

I had one, bought new (£300 - mid 80's?) and lasted about 10 - 12 years before the speed controller started playing up: stuck on 33rpm IIRC so no big deal.

Then it would sometimes work / sometimes not. I wrote to LINN (snail mail in those days) and they had no interest in having it back to fix it (or even just the board), although said if I could find a local dealer they'd "work with him" to see what could be done. Sounded like a recipe for open wallet surgery to me. Despite later owning an LP12 I've never had a solid feeling towards LINN.

Broke up the AXIS and recouped just over £200 on ebay for the individual parts - everything sold and I mean EVERYTHING! Even the faulty speed control PCB :eek:.

Whilst it worked I loved that TT, but if you find one make sure you try both speeds a few times before buying. Make sure the red and green lights come on and off and don't just "fade" off or glow slightly.

Those components are getting old now and I don't know if anyone specialises in fixing them. Since then I've read of others who've experienced the same faults so I'd say there's a question mark against their electronic longevity.

I think I'd be tempted to look for something a bit more reliable or with a well proven (fixable) support base. Some Direct Drive options seem popular or see if you can spring for a Michell Gyrodec. I know it's more cash but they hold their value and you'll get your money back if you sell. Sound is also in a different league. But it is more cash.

Just my personal experience - others may differ.

[DSJR]

Thanks for all the input.

On the whole it all seems quite positive.



The people who like it probably never lived with one, let alone sold them and demmed them day in day out in the 80's as Dave and I did.

Bottom line THIRTY YEARS ON!!!!! The supply boards need regular substantial service as components are run hard and fail. The last batch of replacement boards Linn made was sixteen years ago. The Basik LVX and 'Plus' arms suffer liquidised counterweight inserts so these spin freely on the rear stub. Early Akito's are made of plasticine and bearings are unserviceable and usually shot due to pillar crushing.

In use, the Axis could wobble-feedback, top plates and plinths were rarely straight (same with the LP12) and the sound was bass light and shouty. A good working GL75 absolutely annihilates it I remember.

I have to say this. In the intervening time, Rega decks have improved out of all recognition and a new Planar 1, despite its simplicity and more basic arm, which may be better than older RB types, is so good at what it does, I suspect it would see an Axis off with ease if properly sited.

As for the Basik turntable, it looked good but a Rega wiped its arse and spares are still available for practically all these Southend made turntables! The Basik is all but forgotten now, and for good reason...

Of course, the experiences of two dealers who knew these things first time round will be ignored. The Axis may have been competitive thirty years ago, but the deck was thought of as a step to an LP12 and with a more limited lifespan, which surviving examples have lived three times over...

[Scooby]

The people who like it probably never lived with one, let alone sold them and demmed them day in day out in the 80's as Dave and I did.

Bottom line THIRTY YEARS ON!!!!! The supply boards need regular substantial service as components are run hard and fail. The last batch of replacement boards Linn made was sixteen years ago. The Basik LVX and 'Plus' arms suffer liquidised counterweight inserts so these spin freely on the rear stub. Early Akito's are made of plasticine and bearings are unserviceable and usually shot due to pillar crushing.

In use, the Axis could wobble-feedback, top plates and plinths were rarely straight (same with the LP12) and the sound was bass light and shouty. A good working GL75 absolutely annihilates it I remember.

I have to say this. In the intervening time, Rega decks have improved out of all recognition and a new Planar 1, despite its simplicity and more basic arm, which may be better than older RB types, is so good at what it does, I suspect it would see an Axis off with ease if properly sited.

As for the Basik turntable, it looked good but a Rega wiped its arse and spares are still available for practically all these Southend made turntables! The Basik is all but forgotten now, and for good reason...

Of course, the experiences of two dealers who knew these things first time round will be ignored. The Axis may have been competitive thirty years ago, but the deck was thought of as a step to an LP12 and with a more limited lifespan, which surviving examples have lived three times over...

As I said above, I've owned all three, and others here have owned the Axis too. Experience probably far more recent than the 80s too and based on living with something at home for some time. Why try to devalue other people's opinions? Or is you opinion more important than other people's? The way you always insist on being right when sound is often a matter of personal preference comes across as smug AFAIC. So what if your advice is ignored? So what if I or anyone else's advice is ignored? It's the OP's money and ears. I'm sure plenty people bought an Axis from a dem against a Rega and have lived happily with their choice.

My more recent experience of an RP1 was that the platter or sub platter were deformed and it wobbled all over the place. It had to be returned to "The Southend Outfit" along with apparently many more similarly afflicted. Just my experience, but surely valid even though it is different from yours.

[DSJR]

My experience with this deck is important, I thought valid and also trying to repair them when they went wrong (not if, when).

Ah well, let the OP make his decision. I'm best off out of here.

[walpurgis]

Why try to devalue other people's opinions? Or is you opinion more important than other people's? The way you always insist on being right when sound is often a matter of personal preference comes across as smug AFAIC. So what if your advice is ignored? So what if I or anyone else's advice is ignored?

Rich asked for opinions. An opinion from Dave on his professional experience is very valid. Not sure why it would be suggested that he might be devaluing the opinions of others.

[Macca]

Dave,your experience is valued and welcome. It was this part of your post that is wrong, and what Andy is objecting to:


The people who like it probably never lived with one, let alone sold them and demmed them day in day out in the 80's as Dave and I did.


If you look back through the thread everyone who gave an opinion has owned one or more, in some cases for over a decade. And all the verdicts seem balanced, no-one has said that it is the best thing since sliced bread.

[Scooby]

Dave,your experience is valued and welcome. It was this part of your post that is wrong, and what Andy is objecting to:

DSJR: The people who like it probably never lived with one, let alone sold them and demmed them day in day out in the 80's as Dave and I did.

If you look back through the thread everyone who gave an opinion has owned one or more, in some cases for over a decade. And all the verdicts seem balanced, no-one has said that it is the best thing since sliced bread.

Agreed, Martin, and thank you.

[stairpost]

Well, that took an unexpected turn.

I very much appreciate all the opinions given, and weigh them all to find where the balance lays. I've always had the impression that Dave's opinions, like most people on here come from a genuine desire to be helpful in a positive way, I hope He won't mind me making the observation that his heart and head go into the information and experience He is sharing rather than how He shares it. He often takes the time to offer advice on my queries and I'm always grateful when he does.

Back to the subject in hand, the one Axis I have found for sale on a reliable forum classifieds was described as having the dreaded speed board issue. So I think it would probably be wise to save the money I had an itch to spend, and put it towards the Gyrodec I really want.

A big thanks to all who commented.

Rich.