Linn LP12 User Opinion needed please

willip

Hi, Kung Hei Fai Choy!

Am planning to purchase a LP12, but there are so many configurations.

Any c hing can share some basic info for beginners lkke me?

Audiophilelp

Why LP12? Do you want a Brandnew or vintage?

As a good start, I suggest a vintage LP12 with serial no.> 90000, cirkus bearing, ittok LVIII tonearm and lingo PSU.

CKKeung

Some price reference :
http://www.pearlaudiovideo.com/p ... s/linn-sondek-lp12/
http://www.pearlaudiovideo.com/b ... r-linn-sondek-lp12/

willip

Audiophilelp 發表於 2015-2-21 13:49
Why LP12? Do you want a Brandnew or vintage?

As a good start, I suggest a vintage LP12 with serial  ...

Audiophilelp hing, for serial number over 90k, may I ask how old that is? And what price range I am looking at?

mda

serial number 90k was around 1989..

Audiophilelp

1972, LP12 turntable introduced.
1974, Main bearing liner changed. Sub-chassis strengthened by addition of strap, spot welded in place. Motor control circuit changed from terminal strip to small PCB. Mains switch changed from two buttons to single with mains neon. [s/n 2,000]
1978, Top plate modified adding two holes for 6 x 0.5 self tappers into wood block. [23,000]
1979, Lid prop removed, hinges changed to spring loading. [27,000]
1981, February. Nirvana mechanical components. [32,826]
1982, May. Valhalla crystal-driven electronic power supply made standard. [38,794]
1984, Enlarged plinth corner bracing. [53,000]
1984, June. Sub-chassis strengthening bar epoxy glued instead of spot welded. [54,101]
1985, August. Cap head screws on bearing housing. [60,383]
1985, September. Diode modification to Valhalla board [61,090]
1985, December. Strengthening blocks on corners of plinth.
1986, May. New clear lid.
1986, Suspension springs improved.
1987, March. New bearing housing, New Formica and MDF armboard. [69,161]
1987, April. New springs. [69,591]
1987, Bearing improved with better lining material and tighter tolerances. Change to black oil. Suspension springs ground to improved tolerance. Arm board composition improved. [70,000]
1989, Motor thrust pad changed. Valhalla surge guard modification. PCB mains lead (UK). [79,700]
1989, New MDF armboard, laminated top and bottom. [79,160]
1989, Harder suspension grommets fitted. [81,000]
1990, External Lingo power supply available as add-on.
1991, motor thrust pad cap added to Lingo models. [87,047]
1991, Valhalla board with 45RPM capability added [87,047]
1991, motor thrust pad cap added to Valhalla models. [87,206]
1991, Introduction of LP12 Basik, a stripped down version of the turntable [87,672]
1991, Solid base board replaces hardboard. [87,672]
1991, Trampolin base board with isolating feet available as an option [87,672].
1992, Improved top plate fixing. [88,950]
1993, Cirkus upgrade (larger and better machined inner platter and new bearing, new springs, armboard, belt) fitted as standard. [90,582]
1997, a limited edition commemorative LP12 was created to mark the 25th anniversary of the LP12. Amongst other features, it bears a plaque etched with the signature of Linn's founder Ivor Tiefenbrun.
2000, 4th bolt added near motor on top plate, fitted as standard. Required extra cross beam on plinth.
2001, New motor used (first new motor since original 1972).
2002, Maple plinth introduced adding to existing black, walnut, rosewood and afromosia options.

Audiophilelp

There are plentiful of LP12 sets in eBay.co.uk, you can have some idea about the price.

willip

Many thanks for the detailed info.

smokeyduck

mda 發表於 2015-2-22 19:35
serial number 90k was around 1989..

mine is a 83k-ish.  it was back in late 80's or very earlier 90's

新漢陳Sir

For the LP12, I would recommend Acoustic Signature TA-1000 <9-inch> as the most suitable partnering tone-arm. It is distributed by Richcoln Company Limited.