I’m a long time owner if. Technics 1200G and love it. However, I have always had a secret crush on the LP12.
I have read quite a bit about it on the internet and these forums. A lot of people suggest that Rega Vertere, etc are very good contenders to it. And that may very well be the case BUT there’s something magical about the LP12 looks.
And considering that my record collection has grown quite a bit (400+) I rather fancy two TTs.
I’m looking for a pre loved one or one built (Cymbiosis?) and I dont intend to go down the dreaded upgrade path (I have excellent control of my urges). Don’t want to spend a fortune either (around £2k). will I be able to get a half decent one?
I love the AT cartridges so will stick to them.
Also, will I need to get another phono or is there one that I can connect more than on TT to?
With your limited budget I feel like this would be at best a lateral move. Looking at the rest of your system for the same money I would buy a much better cartridge instead that would give you a big lift in sonics over what you currently have. You could stick with AT or branch out to different brands like Ortofon, Lyra, Hana, etc.
We dallied with the idea of an LP12 (still might) and identified Cymbiosis and Moorgate Acoustics as two companies who were highly recommended for builds.
Moorgate had a post up recently where they listed builds from £1400.
Cymbiosis are always highly recommended on the forum. Ask them what they can do you for £2k!
It sounds so radically different from an SL1200 that you really need to be sure about more than just the classic look of the thing.
Don’t get me wrong. Not only is it an amazing engineered deck, but it is also possible to like two very different sound styles. Yet it’s also a very different flavour and for those smitten with the SL1200 flavour, an LP12 can be difficult to pallet. Like comparing liquorice to ravioli.
If you want a LP12 for the aesthetics, and more by its reputation, then talk to Peter and discuss the art of the possible. And it’s a great music maker why not?
However, if you want the best sonic solution for your budget I’m not sure £2k on a LP12 will improve on what you have?
I would imagine you can get a nice LP12 for £2000 made from parts for that price. Maybe an Ittok, Cirkus bearing and Lingo 1 just about. Phono stage and cart may be extra.
The LP12 will sound different from the Technics. I don’t think that it will be better, just a sideways move. Perhaps you will prefer it. Or maybe not…
To my ears, nothing else makes sense of the music as well as an LP12 - of any era.
Older power supplies like the Valhalla provide more drive to the music which you might appreciate as a Technics lover. However, you already have that in spades.
If you buy used then you can always sell it on without much loss. And if you prefer it to the Technics then you can easily upgrade it.
Given what you have and say you like I wouldn’t spend on an LP12 without listening to one, as the presentation can be radically different to a better-quality direct-drive TT. And how do you define an ‘LP12’, as there are so many different options plus, IME, siting can also be an issue.
When you strip-back an LP12, it’s very ‘old-tech’ IMHO, with a wood plinth (at the suggested price), perhaps an after-market top-plate secured by screws, and obviously 3-point suspension, the latter not evenly-distributed due to the arm-board and arm on the RHS.
I had a dream of owning a LP12, two years ago it arrived and I have to say that it was the one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
If you don’t do it you’ll always have that ‘if only’ thought niggling away at you, go for it, you only live once, if it doesn’t work out at least you owned one.
Unless LP12’s have totally transformed over the last 30 year with the myriad of updates, you will find it doesn’t compete with many modern decks. Many are order of magnitude better in any objective sense. The SME 12 I use which you can pick up for a reasonable price second hand will absolutely trounce a mid 90-early 2000’s full spec LP 12
Thank you for everyone’s kind words here. I have to be careful what I say of course (Moderation for retailers) but iliria it sounds like you have an extremely good cartridge already Skeptikal loves them too, which makes 3 of us!
KR, Peter
Being of a certain age it’s probably not surprising I own an LP12. I don’t need it and could stream instead but there is just something about owning one and using it once in a while. It’s a decent mid range spec so no more upgrades. My listening room just wouldn’t look the same if it weren’t there.
@feeling_zen I can attest to this.
I have a long standing relationship with Technics and last year I had on loan from a good friend for 2 months an Lp12 Majik (I think that was the model name).
The 2 presentations were so different, at first I didn’t like at all the Lp12, by the end of the 2 month loan period it grew so much on me that I started scouring the classifieds in my area to find one but no luck. It is still in my mind and at some point I will end up getting one. Sometimes it’s nice to have two very different musical presentations.
Skeptikal loves them too, which makes 3 of us!