The Linn LP12 Gramophone.

[cafe latte]

I would really like a sp25 if I get another TT and a Garrard 401 or 301, so belt drives have been pushed way down the list for now. All the same if I came across a bargin early systemdek, or a complete nutter giving away a Townsend rock I could be persuded
Anyone??
On the sl1210 front I think most of the upgrades costing hunreds are more than hype, but quite simply taking the piss. Changing the psu can be done cheaply diy and I think changing the arm has merits as does fitting better leads but past that I think people are waisting their money. Why not just buy a better cart or another TT?
CL

[bubba45]

I'm with you on the upgrades. Plain old bonkers some of them.

I think change the feet and the mat, maybe the external cables - I've yet to to do mine - and then basically find the right cart.

I went with an ATF3 in the end. They just marry together really well, each part counteracting the flaws of the other.

A Pickering XV15 625e was a delightful combination - nice open sound, lovely & clear, lots of detail but also real nice balance across high, mid and low tones. It was so good I donated it to my friends SL1210 set up which I bought her as a graduation present a few months ago.

My Nagaoka MP20 also works excellently on an SL1210, but the ATF3 is just that little 'better' sounding to my ears.

If an SP25 is as good as a SP10 then yeah it would be one to get. Lovely design too.

All told there are 5 more belt drives to try for me if I can - Logic DM101, STD305, Michell Gyrodec SE, Nottingham Analogue Spacedeck and a Townsend Rock. Then I'll definitely, absolutely call it a day on the experimentation with BD's.

For idlers like you I would like to have a listen with a 301 or 401 and also the hybrid belt & idler TD124.

However none of these are pressing and I will most likely get all my current stock of TT's (11?) tweaked, modded & set up and be content.

[satanfriendly]

To me the DM101 is closer to the Pink Triangle sound than it is the LP12. An amazing tuneful low bass. Sadly mine still has a speed issue which should be resolved this week, fingers crossed.

The Systemdek didn't really do much for me at all and in comparrison to an LP12 it really is cheese and chalk. Nice, but not great. And looks like an Ikea coffee table to me.

The JVC though which Bubba mentioned is another kettle of fish and without the farce. May lack the bass impact of say the DM101, but for pace and accuracy it is a hard act to follow.

Back to the original question. Yes the LP12 deserves everything people claim it to be. You don't have to be a fan for whatever reason, but it has made its name in turntable history and there is no denying that fact alone. It must be one of the most talked about TT's out there.

[goatbreath]

It was how definite the pitches of the bass notes were for me with the DM101.You heard the exact notes of basslines..Also up top,,the treble seemed more prominent and extended than the Linn..Actually the treble was amazing..
It was less coloured in the bass than the LP12..Thinking about it I was also using my bass light B&W DS2 speakers..That wouldn't help..But neither have the sheer punch you in the gut bass of the Mycro..The Mycro also sounds more neutral than both..You have to remove the lid as it really colours the sound..You can hear all the detail is there with my LP12,,but it is presented in a easy going manner..It is a really detailed deck,,if only it was more neutral..

[Dowser]

Interesting notes on the bass - this was my one criticism of my '77 LP12, it sounded lovely regardless but bass notes were not well defined, everything sounded very similar. Swapping to an after market sub-chassis changed this, every bass note appearing more accurate to my ears. Tellingly, it was at this point I started using the LP12 as my primary source, and my poor Naim CDI just gets used for parties now

Richard

[JaS]

You can hear all the detail is there with my LP12,,but it is presented in a easy going manner..It is a really detailed deck,,if only it was more neutral..

If you plan on sticking with the LP12 you need to save up for a power supply, later bearing or a stiffer sub-chassis. Later/modified decks definitely improved in this area.

Regards,
JaS

[bubba45]

Personally if it had a good arm on it I'd pay about £300 max for an LP12 with a working Valhalla, black springs and pre-cirkus bearing etc

Well after I made the above comment I did something a bit rash. I've made a couple of sales the last few weeks and have a bit of spare cash (sorta). So I had a look on eBay for an LP12 that kinda fitted the criteria I set. Found one that was close - no Valhalla - and put in a £300 bid. I was under no illusion that I would win it. I mean whoever gets an LP12 with a decent arm in good condition for £300?
Figured I would prove to myself once and for all that LP12's are over hyped, overrated and overpriced...............

...............So tommorrow I'm going to pick this up:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/250940480125? ... 1439.l2649

That'll teach me to open my (big fat) trap and then try to be a smart arse won't it?

If the combination sounds as good as it potentially could then it's possibly a pretty good deal. Like I said earlier in this thread I actually enjoyed the 2 LP12's I had before but to be honest I paid much more for both and neither had an arm mounted.

I guess If I don't like it at all I'll keep the arm and sell the LP12 and maybe get some of my money back.

At least I can do an A/B comparison of a Td125 MKII and a similar vintage LP12. I've got 2 Jelco 250ST arms (a Mission 774 LC & a Revolver arm) and a couple of AT440MLa's and Ortofon VMS20e MK2 carts.
I don't have 2 of the same phonostages but at least I can swap the TT's around.

What a dumass!!!

[cafe latte]

Do you want to buy some magic beans? . Just kidding enjoy!
Regards
CL

[Dowser]

Nice buy

Richard

[bubba45]

Do you want to buy some magic beans? . Just kidding enjoy!
Regards
CL

I planted some but all that grew was a spaghetti tree.

At least I can console myself with a nice glass of snake milk when that gets delivered later.

I do feel like a right dick but could it be worse; I could have bought one of these: http://www.crosleyradio.com/Turntables.aspx

I'm sure I'll enjoy the LP12 to be honest. But it feels a bit wrong though because I have had and enjoyed a whole load of Ariston decks. Know what I mean? It's a bit like sleeping with an ex's bullying sister - it may be fun but somehow it's just a bit wrong.

[abril]

What - with a Mission 774 attached

If I'd known would have put a bid on just to get hold of a spare 774

except collection only

[bubba45]

Generally speaking as you know, you get items for less if they are collection only, plus this finished at a weird time in the afternoon on a weekday so that may have influenced it?
Still I was the only bidder which was weird. I did increase my bid to £310 which is why it says there were 2 bids.
I am surprised at the final price as its rare to see even an old LP12 with NO arm go for as little as this.
I keep reading the listing to see what's wrong with it but nowt of note yet.
So I will have to see how it shapes up tomorrow.

[cafe latte]

Do you want to buy some magic beans? . Just kidding enjoy!
Regards
CL

I planted some but all that grew was a spaghetti tree.

At least I can console myself with a nice glass of snake milk when that gets delivered later.

I do feel like a right dick but could it be worse; I could have bought one of these: http://www.crosleyradio.com/Turntables.aspx

I'm sure I'll enjoy the LP12 to be honest. But it feels a bit wrong though because I have had and enjoyed a whole load of Ariston decks. Know what I mean? It's a bit like sleeping with an ex's bullying sister - it may be fun but somehow it's just a bit wrong.

What ever anyone says about the poor old Linn, it does sound nice. Yes it is coloured, but if you have other TTs then when you want something different , then it is Linn time!
Have fun
CL

[steve195527]

Which ones? - that's genuine curiosity by the way. I'd pick the LP12 over most turntables I've heard. As for upgrades, well, isn't that what half the hobby is about? As I said before, it's still a great deck despite the hype. I'd still love to buy a good second hand one, but their prices rise quicker than my bank balance.

It was in the best turntable list in 1980 and is rated the best by audio.de and stereo.de. Also the only one from the 1980 list still in production.

The systemdek with acrylic platter sounded better than the Linn of the time as did the first Dunlop systemdek and those brave enough who reviewd it said as much. Technics sp25,10 not to mention the first Townsend Rock of the early 80s all outperformed the Linn IMO
CL

No they didn't only the Rock out of those sounded comparable,different but comparable,surprised you don't include the SP25 in the group that sounded better!:-but the linn isn't perfect by any means but the knockers believe to be the most un-perfect,but if you're a SL1200/1210 fanboy then you're unlikely to like the LP12