Like you - I too have decided to scratch the LP12 itch and am in the process of discussing spec details with my local dealer. I’ve already purchased an absolutely incredible looking plinth via Cymbiosis and an Audio Technica VM760xSL cartridge so off to a flying start. It’s been around 40 years since I bought my first LP12 and since getting back into buying records ten years or so ago I’ve had the craving gnawing at me as I’ve upgraded my system piece by piece. Fun times ahead…
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I bought a P10 (which is just lovely) yet I still hanker after an LP12. It is visually almost perfectly proportioned and as far as i’m concerned the prettiest record player ever made.
I may yet plunge!
@iliria& @deadloss Please report back with your experiences.
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Do you like your P10? when I wanted to replace my P9, I thought about the LP12. I rejected the idea b/c of my disabilities and our environment. I was also concerned about low level vibrations.
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I certainly will report back, should be sometime in the next month or two.
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Enjoy your LP12 journeys. Mine has been quite a journey. I am very happy with it. Let’s see what the OP can get for his budget! Good luck to others also in search of the LP12 Holy Grail!
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So for me the LP12 has real character. The Rega turntables and Technics are very fine. I feel the LP is the conoisseurs’ turntable of choice, who wants classic design and the room to upgrade, if they so wish. Whilst they all look similar on the outside, you can make the LP12 whatever level you like!
Just be careful as I bought mine on eBay with a host of unforeseen issues. Buy from a reputable dealer and you will enjoy it.
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Yes, I really like the P10. Easy to set up, place and use, and sounds very good too. I like the skeletal plinth as well, but I’m less keen on the exposed foam edges.
When I was having demos, the one thing that stood out when listening to the P10 against the contenders was it sounded very direct and fast. Every other deck sounded slow in the rhythm section somehow, where the bass and drums were a touch behind. With the P10 it just sounded ‘correct’ to me. But, it does have a lively presentation which won’t be for everyone. Not as ‘full’ or as rounded a sound compared to an LP12, but somehow just as engaging and as much fun to listen to, yet still having superb pace rhythm and timing.
I also listened to a couple of Technics decks as well (which I liked). A secondhand SP10 in a nice wood plinth with an SME tonearm, and a 1200G. The one negative issue being they seemed to emphasise surface noise more than the LP12 and Rega (same demo discs used). This could be cartridge choice and set up though (I forget the carts fitted), but it put me off a little.
At this privileged level it’s really a case of choosing the presentation of sound that’s preferred. Nothing is bad per se, just different.
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@YetiZone Thanks for your reply. The only thing I don’t like is the dust cover. However, given the design I understand. Another factor against the LP12 for me was the cost. If I wanted sn equipment spec, I would have had to spend more for the LP12. Given I listen about 2 hours a week to records, if thst. I could not justify it.
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I agree with how you describe the ‘P10’ sound, something like a hybrid of what you might get from the LP12 and the Technics. The best of two worlds, a win-win. I’ve moved on to the NAIA, which gives more of the same.
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If I ever get to the point of playing records more frequently. I too can see myself moving to the Naia.
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All of us here tend to keenly support our own choices, that’s just human nature. With that caveat: the NAIA is breathtaking…as will be a top spec LP12, I am sure.
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I have listened to the Rega Naia, and it’s a very fine turntable. At dealers I felt it was close to the LP12 Klimax and above the Selekt. So in terms of value the Naia was ahead.
It’s a mighty turntable. And fit and forget! You can’t say the same for an LP12.
However, I am a proud owner of a Linn LP12 Klimax.
The Naia, with some top end cart options and phono stage is a top end turntable. It’s looks are not for everyone. But I think for some it’s a dynamite proposition!
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I’m using the NVCTT without its own power supply. I have no more rack shelf space for the power supply. I’m using with an Apheta. I assume the phono stage would be good enough for the Naia?
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I am not an expert on the Naia. But if I was you, given disabilities, I would stick with Rega. The Linn tonearms are more fiddly. I don’t think you’d get on with them!
You want something easy!
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I had a Linn 30 years ago. Lots of trouble for me with the Ecose. Not for me.
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I had an LP12 up until 2010…sounded excellent but would not work with my suspended floor. Moved to P9 → P10 → NAIA. All excellent. There will be other excellent TTs too, it’s all a matter of preference.
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I wonder if the OP thinks his questions about the LP12 have been answered.
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Will I be able to get a half decent one (for £2,000)
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Also will I need to get another phono or is there one that I can connect more than one TT to?
He’s hooked on the looks of the Linn & would really like to own one (not a Rega, SME) if the stars align.
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Where are you located iliria?
If at all feasible I would suggest taking a little time out and visit some dealer like Peter who is just outside Leicester. Ideally take along your turntable and phono and have a listen to your front end in a listening room. Then Peter (or another dealer) could let you hear one or two (many more if budget permitted!) LP12’s hopefully through your phono thus allowing you to compare and contrast as realistically as possible how they might compare. Peter (and some others) seems to do such a trade with upgrades for customers that there is very often quite a choice of pre-owned components which could allow you to build up an LP12 which sounds great to suit your budget. But you may not like the LP12 presentation when you hear it! Everything else will be highly speculative. But definitely try to visit a dealer who really specialises in LP12’s as set up is half the battle. Once set up, they are set for a long time, but you have to optimise the starting point to benefit the most.
Good luck scratching that itch!
Peter
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I used an LP12 through the 80s and 90s and then went through a tour of various turntables but never really settled. Arrived at a Rega P10 which , like all the other turntables is very good. I still had a hankering to return to an LP12. I now have a quite high spec LP12 and have no regrets. I love the look and it plays records for pleasure.
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No need for fear with an LP12 if set up correctly it can hold its tune for years.
The problem is they get tinkered with. 
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