Just wondering if there are many or any regular LP12 users still on the forum.
From memory it seems all the names I remember as being Linn fans have either moved on, sold them or maybe they're just not discussing them anymore?
Printable View
Just wondering if there are many or any regular LP12 users still on the forum.
From memory it seems all the names I remember as being Linn fans have either moved on, sold them or maybe they're just not discussing them anymore?
I'm sure there were many here who have used a Linn LP12, and possibly a few who still do. But I suspect that those that did use one became disillusioned with the near constant upgrading of turntable parts, and with the hyperbolic, 'gushing' reports by magazine reviewers prevalent throughout the '80s. Also the necessity of frequent maintenance of the suspension of the LP12 must have become tiresome to owners at the time.
I spent some months with an LP12 and was able to compare it with my own turntable. I heard nothing with the Linn that would make me want to change my turntable.
Yup, that's what has always put me off Barry - but as a piece of hi-fi furniture, or a historical ‘musical art’ statement piece I personally find an LP12 a beautiful thing to look at. If I ever think of what an iconic turntable looks like, it’s an LP12, Technics SL-1200 or a Rega Planar. That’s very personal to me though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
I remember going to all those Linn demos in the 80’s and despite always wanting one because of the aesthetics, I’ve never put my hand in my pocket, but the itch has never gone away!
I had one in the 80s, and it was proper 'old school', Valhalla'd and with Grace G707 arm and MP11 Boron cartridge. I totally ignored all the upgrading guff, and just kept it as is. I was always happy with the sound, didn't care it was less than perfect, and to my 80s eyes it was a thing of beauty.
And I couldn't fault Linn's customer service - after a few years the Valhalla packed up, and Linn provided a new replacement free of charge. Even though it was about 15 years old by then, and I wasn't even the original purchaser.
I bought it used from some bloke in Harrow (a 500 mile round trip) for £300. Kept it for 25 years, then got 500 quid for it in part ex toward my current deck.
Upgrading and fiddling about isn't something I would do either really, so that's kind of the same position for me and I have always thought of them as a thing of beauty.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
I'm at a bit of a crossroads at the moment. I have a 1988 1210MK2 that runs fine, but it's really ratty and needs some TLC. I can do a restoration myself apart from the paint job or powder coat, which I'd get done professionally. My other option is to scratch my LP12 itch and I'd be happy making it a FrankenLinn, as there are so many after-market options out there. That's kind of why I posted this, to see if there were users here with some guidance. Again, I can do this myself as I'm not afraid of getting under the hood. I'm not a purist so it doesn't have to be 100% Linn, but I want it to look like one. So it might only need an official Linn lid … such heresy!
The last option and the simplest would be to buy a new Rega P6 or P8, which having a Rega Elex already is the most sensible option and likely to sound the best, especially the P8. But that isn't always the number one priority for me and having an LP12 on the sideboard would be very satisfying. That probably sounds nuts to most on here, but my needs are very different. If it plays music and I like it and can live with it, I'm normally happy.
I like the original LP12 they spoiled it with the upgrades I thought. Made it into a not that good 'neutral' deck when before it was a lot more fun to listen to.
Did think about getting one maybe 15 years ago, the Valhalla ones were about £400 for a tidy one then but I think demand might have gone back up.
Doesn't sound nuts to me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim
In the same way that if you own a car that you love the looks of, when you get out of it and go to your front door, and before you go inside you turn to have one more look :) a similar thing may happen with some hifi gem when you enter the room.
Now I've got this stuff in my head now, I've started to wonder what happened to all the LP12 parts that Inspire Hifi (makers of my turntable) do with all the stuff they take in part exchange, and bits they remove when 'upgrading' customers' turntables. I bet a decent "FrankenLinn" could be assembled this way.
I've been poking around tinternet for the last couple of days and it does look possible and maybe even cheaper than buying a complete second hand deck. I don't need an arm either, so a bit more saved there.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
From reading some forums a lot seem to start collecting bits as and when they can afford/find them and build up a deck over a year or more and then get exactly the deck they want, without needing a mortgage for a new one . . . a bit like triggers broom! One guy said he bought an original Linn in the 80s and the only thing left from that deck were the hinges :lol:
That sounds like a great project, and as you say a potential big saving over what a complete deck might cost. All those folk out there, bringing their LP12s out of the 70s and 80s with these "upgrades", well, all those discarded parts are out there somewhere...
What is the bare minimum for the starting point? I assume it is the plinth (a feature of the LP12 which is universally admired), as well as the sub-chassis, but what else?
I would try to get hold of a 'first edition' LP12, clean it up, replace the belt and relubricate the bearing. I wouldn't bother with any of the subsequent DC motors with their associated electronics: too much to worry about.
Whatever you do decide to do, good luck with the project.