Hi-Fi Choice reviewers voted the LP12 “the most important hi-fi component ever sold in the UK” and The Absolute Sound ranked it the second most significant turntable of all time in 2011. Founded by Ivor Tiefenbrun in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1973, the company is best known as the manufacturer of the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable. Linn Products is an engineering company that manufactures hi-fi and audio equipment.
The Kore armboard is precisely machined from solid aluminium and further strengthened with ribs on the underside to provide the ultimate rigidity. Three layers are bonded together using a unique Linn-specified adhesive to form an incredibly stiff structure, while keeping the weight low. But it’d be an expensive experiment if it doesn’t work out.Strengthened by a multi-layer, box construction of 1.5mm thick aluminium, the Linn Kore sub-chassis is designed for extra rigidity and removal of unwanted damping, ensuring a more faithful reproduction of your vinyl.
What LP12 upgrade I should aim first so that it can sound open and airy? Is the Radikal + MC cart will get me there? Or Keel+Ekos SE+ MC cart would be enough? I can go all the way up to Klimax if that s what it takes. But the midrange thickness is pervasive regardless of the recording and its flat sounding on busy music is the biggest issue I want to improve on. But is it possible that LP12 (or suspended turntable for that matter) will never sound that open, uncolored, agile, and airy? I think my LP12 sounds very organic and musical. I am willing to spend money on LP12 upgrades. More agile and lighter on its feet (while never sounding thin or harsh) Better micro dynamics (LP12 sounds a bit flat in comparison on busy music) Transparency (I can hear deeper into the recording) The areas where I think LP12 is equal (or sometimes little better ) than my digital is:īut other areas where the digital with Lampi sounds quite a bit better than LP12: With Lampi, my digital starting to sound quite a bit better than my LP12. The story takes a dramatic turn when I borrowed a Lampizator TRP DAC from a friend. I was floored! I started buying vinyl like a mad man. However, the new LP12 right out of the box sounded better than my digital on 70% of the music. I was very happy with the sound of my digital chain. I’m quite skilled with building music server and spent a lot of time improving it. My DAC is Holo Spring2 - a $2.2K mid level. I’ve a DIY music server which would compete with USD $10K commercial offering. It has the new Karousel bearing, Krane arm, adikt cart. It’s a brand new Majik with the new Kore and Lingo 4 upgrade. I’m seeking advise on LP12/turntable upgrade.
That's my take but I'm not dogmatic about it because I really don't care enough. The names Linn and Fender are fine to use if the machine is based on a predominantly Linn or Fender chassis, even if it is modified.
The term LP12 should be thought of as the broad configuration of the turntable and is an ok name to apply to even a fully aftermarket deck, just as there are many 'Strats' with no fender parts. I would say that the situation is broadly similar. The strings? The pots? The neck? At what point does it stop being a Fender and become a Strat-style guitar? If you swap the pickups on a Fender Strat is it still a Fender Strat? Fender themselves have used many different pickups from different manufacturers. So at what point does a Fender Strat stop being a Fender Strat? In fact, just as with the Linn, it is possible to built a Strat-style guitar with no Fender parts. Clearly they are doing something fundamentally right but the point that's relevant to this debate is that both are essentially modular and their popularity has meant a wide array of aftermarket parts. Both enjoy enduring popularity despite ever present voices saying that various aspects of performance can be bettered by choosing competing products. Both have been in continuous production for decades and have been released in many different 'trim levels' at different prices. A flattering but totally deserved comparison in my opinion. I've long thought of the LP12 as the Fender Stratocaster of the Hi-Fi world. Click to expand.It's an interesting question, not one I think will ever be definitively answered and to be honest who cares, but a parallel is instructive.