Linn sondek LP 12 -A brilliant performer

[jenson]

mose hercules is a good option...it also plays 45 rpm discs..

beside power supply, a good belt, new springs and oil would get the immediate best of the table.. i've not installed valhalla...but did go for velocit oil, belt, new spring and grommets. it sounds sweet cant wait to install the valhalla..

 

[Norton]

Congratulations again Jacob......just listening to you go on about the LINN brings a smile to my face.....you deserve the best and now you have it....enjoyyyyyy

 

[Light Dependant Resistor]

Excellent Thread
The LP12 is a true legend. I recently connected one of the two I own up, It had sadly been in storage for 4 years. It just needed new oil to be let into its bearing, and is now performing just like new. Its an early model with a SME type 2 arm,cartridge looks like an ortofon

To let oil in after prolonged storage you just lift the central platter up, mine didn't want to go all the way out, hmmm so patiently allow a small quantity of oil, to navigate its way down. I like to use a small quantity of oil additive as well. leave it to soak in for 15 mins, you only need a small quantity the central platter should then find its own way down, if not encourage it gently but don't force it. If its still difficult, give the oil time to soak in. A bearing thats out of oil can be brought back to life, with these simple steps.

My other LP12 awaits a morning or afternoon to connect up a new linn arm board and Linn basik 2 arm obtained 3 years ago.

But don't they sound wonderful, i put on Canned Heat Live in Europe " thats alright Now "
it was a real treat, Not accurate like CD or some could say inaccurate , but full of life and music

Cheers / Chris

 

[kuruvilajacob]

Hi Chris,
Good to hear your experience with Linn. I am new to 'Linn experience' but from the limited experience, I must say it is special. I do have quite a few other renowned TTs to compare it with and I am happy to say it sounds better to my ears that any of my other Tables. Just the way I wanted to relax and listen.

 

[Dr.Bass]

Hi Chris,
Good to hear your experience with Linn. I am new to 'Linn experience' but from the limited experience, I must say it is special. I do have quite a few other renowned TTs to compare it with and I am happy to say it sounds better to my ears that any of my other Tables. Just the way I wanted to relax and listen.

Exactly, LP12 is all about music. It has been carefully weighted when it was designed, what factors to compromise and what not to. I guess this is a goal most audio designers lose sight of

 

[kuruvilajacob]

Yesterday a Forum Member based at Kottayam brought his newly acquired Linn Sodeck LP 12 with improved SME 3009 Tone arm and V 15 series 3 cartridge . It was set up and now Kottayam has two outstanding Linn Sondek Turntables. More interestingly, I had recently serviced my JP T-500 Turntable and put a new belt on it and played it on the same system as the Linns. I even auditioned it to the fellow Forum member and we were struck by the clarity and details that came out of the JP player and even details not noticed while playing Niel Diamond's Suzanne in Linn was noticed on this player. When I discussed this with my service guy, he told me he is not surprised that it played as good as Linns and in some respects better because of it's beautiful construction meant to be used only in studios or Radio broadcasting . It has a unique grease bearing system almost identical to the early grease bearing system of Garrard 301 and has a similar magnetic speed control system. The Arm is completely isolated from the main frame of the machine. The arm appears to be a NEAT arm with no arm lift nor anti skating system except the counter weight adjustment on the side similar to SME arms. What was most impressive was it's massive motor which according to my service guy is as powerful as a Garrard 301 motor suspended in a most professional manner to isolate motor noise and most surprisingly adopts a belt system. The designer has taken the best of two proven system and designed a player to perform well in a studio or broadcasting room. No wonder it sounds as good as a Linn if not better in some respects. I invite my fellow FMs to audition this fantastic TT

 

[acjacob]

I must add my bit to the thread. Some time ago I went to Kuruvilla Jacob's house & he had just set up his Linn Sondek LP12. I was truly blown away with the clarity & imaging. As he repeatedly mentioned the Linn was one of the shining light in his vast collection of Turntables. (The collection which includes almost all known greats of the Turntable world of the seventies & eighties- BTW - Kuruvilla says this was the golden age of TTs as they were considered the gold standard of sources during this period)

I remembered I had seen a Linn for sale on this forum & when I searched I found that it was still up for sale. This was from Gerry the Merry who was located in Mumbai. I decided that if I could safely transport it to Kottayam I would buy this. I had several discussions with Gerry on the matter & his passion for this player was also very apparent.

Anyway an opportunity did come up to bring it down & I jumped at the chance. May I just mention that Gerry took extraordinary precautions to pack the TT properly (thank you again Gerry) after complete dis-assembly in a hardboard case he had his carpenter put together.
The Linn finally reached Kottayam.
Unfortunately, despite all the efforts put in by Gerry there were some issues with the TT (loose contacts, hum & channel imbalances primarily).
I took them to Kuruvila & his technician. They together solved all issues &yesterday i put this TT back in my system. I had time to listen to only a few LPs - but sound is incredible. It is really smooth with great imaging & clarity. I now know why it is considered one of the all-time greats in the TT world.
Am now really happy with this investment
So, as Kuruvilla mentioned, there are now 2 Linn Sondeks (that we know of) in Kottayam

 

[Gerry_the_Merry]

Hi Acjacob

Am glad the LP12 has settled down nicely for you. Do post some pictures.