Linn Sondek LP12

[luvbott69]

i have a mint condition sondek LP12 a long with perpetual technologies p-1a with p-3a correction engine & converter. how would i go about selling these or valuing them?

[olaniyi570]

I have a LP-12 with Naim XS. At moderate volume the subsonics are making my woofers hub and then that feeds back into Ittok arm, which is making the cartridge misstrack. Since subsonic filters in integrated amps seem to be a thing of the past any suggestion of how I can avoid this?

[Watcher3223]

@olaniyi570

You can try to find ways to physically isolate the turntable from low frequencies, such as the use of aftermarket isolation feet. Anything that can help to minimize the communication of subsonic vibration to the plinth.

[Islwynpaul]

if it's enjoyment of music your after you cannot beat a Linn Sondek LP12. OK it's not the most accurate, look elsewhere for that, but for sheer musical involvement and pleasure buy a second hand Linn. Then make sure you hitch it up to a Tom Evans phono amp and get a better mat than the felt one provided and enjoy the sounds.

[martynpank]

Tried 'Scratching' on a Linn & it was rubbish. Not even vary speed!!!

[Watcher3223]

@martynpank

And it's belt drive, too. ;-)

[martynpank]

@Watcher3223 ??? Pank!!!

[Watcher3223]

@martynpank ??? Marty!!!

Whatever that means...

[martynpank]

@Watcher3223 What I meant was I could not find what U said 2 me!!  LOL!

[Watcher3223]

@martynpank

Ah, okay.

You said that the Linn was rubbish for scratching and that it didn't have variable speed controls ala the SL-1200.

I believed you were being facetious, so mentioned the fact that it was also belt drive.

[martynpank]

@Watcher3223 Of course I was being facetious! Linn LP12 is a superb deck! ...Although, I have a Dunlop Systemdek II with Linn Basik arm & K5 cartridge.

[Watcher3223]

@martynpank

Nice. And, sorry.

[martynpank]

@Watcher3223 Nobody died!!! LOL! Take care, Hi Fi. Bloke!!!

[martynpank]

@martynpank I do find it quite ironic that peeps should put, how good their Hi Fi is.....In a 'medium' that isn't true hi fi!!!!

[acme181169]

Don't EVER worry about buying a second-hand LP12!

Just make sure you see it and hear it in the owners system before you buy.

If it sounds good it is good

Remember, why would anybody spend all that money and then abuse it?

[Afrikitty]

Well said.

I am a Linn Sondek LP12 mechanic, if that means anything today. It's very hard to mess up a Linn, but I have seen it done. Usually the plinth and the lid. Damage to the inner workings of the Linn is usually due to bad set-up of this turntable and don't even try to "fix" it - just get the new part, especially if you can hear the hanky drop while the string quartet is playing. LOL

The Linn Sondek LP12 is still the best turntabel on the market. NONE of the others even came close.

[Anderskh]

LP 12 mechanic ? I went for training on setting up the LP-12 at the distributer years ago.

I still have the manuals they gave me.

I do own an LP-12 and its great but not quite the best i've heard.

[Afrikitty]

@Anderskh yep, I suppose you could call me that, even today. I didn't go to Scotland for my training. I spent a week in Johannesburg, South Africa training on this turntable. I got it down to a fine art and I made a habit of signing all the Linns I worked on. I worked in Cape Town selling audio equipment. If you get that Linn set up properly, you won't hear anything better. I have a Koetsu Arm with a Kiseki Blue Spot cartridge.

[Joyriser]

Thinking about it some more....its not really fair for the person below to compare a brand new rega (with the shop profit and vat ) to a second hand Linn. They were always aimed at different price bands and a second hand rega planar 3will be less than half the price of a s/h Sondek. So its really down to price and whether you want the suspension and extra set up.

[steel531]

Yip,well worth it pal,wayyyyyyyyy better than a Planar3.Needs careful setting up though,good tutorials on this spinner can be had for peanuts off ebay.The new Majik version is stunning,with the carbon Project arm,buy one on interest free you wont look back,see what you have been missing on your records....go for it!!

[shkwave99]

I like you, analog man.

[ctek9]

I am thinking about a 2nd hand Linn LP12 vs a new Rega p3... is the Linn worth it?

[Joyriser]

It all boils down to what money you have to spend. The Linn is regarded as the better turntable but it has the price tag to match. I love the rega myself and would go for the new p3 24 rather than buy secondhand. As I said it all depends on the maximum amount of money you wish to spend. the beauty of both turntables is that you can get the parts support and service....last you decades

[Afrikitty]

Trash the Rega and buy the Linn. You won't be sorry.

[Joyriser]

Ok But can you lend me the money and I will go ahead :)

[messthetics]

Donald Fagen's 'Nightfly' Lp sounds great on this deck

[Islwynpaul]

All music sounds great on the Linn but it is highly overpriced for what it is. I prefer my Thorens TD160, and I have both decks set up at home.

[Tricyklist]

Listen to the same track on several CD players then listen to the same track on a Linn LP12 on vinyl. The CD players all sound identical in a blind listening test regardless of price. So does a humble PC CD drive if you have the nerve to try it! The LP12 sounds as if every touch of a guitar string matters. A single guitar chord can bring a shiver down the spine and a tear to the eye. CD in comparison sounds like coarse sandpaper. The OC9 is too bright, lacking in rhythm but very detailed.

[RAxZariex]

naim walks all over this man

[chrissyman77]

The linn is a nice deck i had one for many years' but the top combo is poor value ,there are better decks for that money, a good 2nd hand linn with an ittok is fine but don't start throwing big money at it , IMHO.

[sweetsweatyfeet]

Ah yes, the good old Linn LP12. But the current pricing of the most recent LP12 decked fully decked out is just atrocious. Well over $12,000 now for the highest end LP12 + Linn arm/cartridge. I remember back in the 70s when it was possible to buy one for under $500. Of course I realize it's a very different record player now but still.

[lioness54703]

Yeah nothing like an LP 12. I would never part with mine.

[porcaro75]

An LP12 is not difficult to set up at all!! Had mine from new for 20 years now and have maintained it myself. Quite simply one of the greatest turntables ever made. Upgraded to an Ittok a couple of years ago which I fitted myself, and added the latest Audio Technica AT OC9 cartridge, unbeliavable cartridge for the money.

[sweetsweatyfeet]

Nice rig. A properly set up Sondek is a gem. At one time it was the benchmark to aspire to. However Linn (along with Naim audio) spawned a cultist following some years ago promulgated by it's maker Ivor Tieffenbrun and certain elements of the British audio press. 'Hifi Answers' and 'The Flat Response' were the most extreme examples of Linn/Naim hysteria. But the LP12 WAS AND STILL IS an excellent product that was the first to prove that turntables DO make a difference in sound quality.

[Joyriser]

Beautiful deck! I only used to own a rega 3 but there is something about the vinyl experience that makes me want to go back to it!

[echo680]

@Joyriser so did you go back to vinyl yet ? I used to have a planar 2, then a 3 which I still have - absolutely love it

[noncondition]

Simply amazing. Really great turntable. I'm awaiting mine...

[aldiakaroofus]

I have a Linn Axis. I've read that it's the LP12's little brother, sorta. I've also heard that the LP12 is difficult to set up, while my Axis is easy. Did you have any difficulty setting up your LP12?

[opstanasig]

No, not really. It takes some time tough, but there is so much info to find on the web these days. I also have an set up manual.

[106si]

dont flick it then!!! lol i have all linn kit and for me there is nothing else, not the most acurate but very musical and just great fun to listen to and that is what it is all about.

[marcaiiii]

Nice music

[wot2wot2]

the lp12..... mmmm a bit hyped up. the platter rings like a bell when flicked. for shear value for money and sonics with gorgeousness give me an s.e. anyday or the next best thing, the brinkman la grange or townsend the rock.

[opstanasig]

I haven't heard those before. I'm pleased with my Linn.

[wot2wot2]

im glad , its a great deck very musical, but colored, not truthful.

but who the hell am i!!!!!!

[aldiakaroofus]

I have the Linn Axis, what's your p.o.v. on that one?

[wot2wot2]

the axis ive heard only once because i did'nt want to hear it ever again,i fact the technics sl 1210 sounds much better.

if i was you id maybe go for a better front end say a michel gyrodec, scondhand pink triangle or better still, a townsend elite rock.

just try and avoid linn and naim products.

[kingofpunk1967]

I totally agree mate. I audtioned Linn LP12 once in 1988 . It sucked! (My Dual 505 was tighter!)It messed my mind up at the time cos the british hi-fi press said it was the best turntable full stop & I was 21 but now I know better & Linn stinks!

[xdeadstarpsyclonx]

@wot2wot2 I'm going to have to second you on the Townshend Rock, my father's Mark 2? I think, rock sounds superb with a really natural neutrality.

[crooner2007]

Awesome table and the music is to die for!!!

[degsy2us]

Thank you - I haven't heard Dave Brubeck's 'Take Five' for years, that's brought some memories flooding back.

The deck's OK too.

[dgorkem1]

perfect video sondek is a legend.

its in stereophiles legandary 100 hifi compenents list no : #1

its a dream comes true

[LinnSondek]

Awesome turntable, by the way...

[artscoff]

should try moving the motor 90 degrees to front left makes stunning improvement.

[volleytotte]

Great table, great choice of music and yea you should have used a better camera. I like that you have listed the surounding componants but remember the sondek is only a poor Ariston copy ;-)

[opstanasig]

Haha! Well, that can be debated.... :D

I use the Norwegian Hegel system 4,an Audilab 8000PPA RIAA, and B&W 703 speakers. Red Dawn audiocabels from Nordost, some HarmonicTech audiocabels and Jorma powercords.

[volleytotte]

Are you Norwegan? I have never heard or heard of Hegel system. I take it that its good (or you wouldn´t use it)

The Sondek is a copy of the ariston 11, its a little odd that the great sondek comes from a theft. Sort of makes you think... Personaly I have the Aristin RD 40 which (apparantly) has been improved by someone Radiolagret probably, however my cousin shewed on the pickup. Im looking to change the arm (SME 3009).

Tord

Göteborg Sweden

[opstanasig]

Yes, jeg er norsk. Vet ikke om Hegel selges i Sverige, men de eksporterer bla. til USA og England. Har hørt allt om LP12's historie, og "ekspertene" sier at det er bare utseendet som er felles med en Ariston RD11 mot en moderne utgave av LP12. Men litt artig historie da! :-D

[volleytotte]

Nu snackar vi "shitty video"!!!

[volleytotte]

PS. Onix 21 med Onix SOAP powersupply, Grado gold pickup, Supra kabel och Sony SS-LA500ED speakers (men det hörde du väll!!) :-D

[iabhornc]

I've seen one of those Linn Sondek LP12 turntables in action and the sound is great. How do you like yours? Btw, I like the Dave Brubeck tune you used here.

[edwarddrinkstea]

must get a new needle for my rega!

[lasercat10cc]

Nice deck :-)

[opstanasig]

It's a shitty video taken with my cellphone..