Record Player Musings

Hi-Fi Corner
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Having sold my trusty Rega RP6, I’ve had a few turntable demos of late, so some observations about the experience. I have whittled things down, but I’m finding it hard to make the final choice…

Demos: Michell Orbe, Technics 1200G, Rega RP10, Rega P10, Linn LP12 Majik, Linn LP12 Selekt. The favourite decks to date are the LP12 and Rega P10, with the Linn having the slight edge. Yes, ‘colour me surprised’ as I thought it would be a slam-dunk for the Rega P10. Without going into too much detail, both are excellent, it’s just that the LP12, was ‘seductively’ excellent, and that was the big difference.

The Rega was lighter, faster and I could say leaner, but that would do it a disservice which is not my intention. Perhaps a little more detailed and dynamic is the best description, but also, somehow, a touch ‘matter of fact’ and less involving in its presentation, and ‘distant’ even.

The Linn seemed to be passing on more information about the musicians and how they were playing, had a slightly more rounded, fuller, weightier sound, and also (surprisingly) a better soundstage.

The Linn advantage is that it’s an open book in terms of upgrade potential (should I choose), as there is somewhere to go. Plus, it was more euphonic than the P10, even at the base Majik entry level too - surprising… But, the nearest Linn dealer is an hour plus drive, so that means travelling for any maintenance, which may get a little wearing, and then there’s the obvious elephant in the room regarding setup, which has to be meticulous.

The Rega advantage is their warranty and customer support, its cutting edge material design, and plug and play simplicity, plus, there’s an excellent dealer nearby. Perhaps the biggest benefit being that the P10 will stop ‘what if’ upgraditus thoughts.

So I guess its going to be a head vs heart decision, as the LP12 sounded so inviting, that it made me want to listen to music more than the Rega did, and that’s what its all about.

Lots to think about for the next rekid spinner!

As an aside… Fun experiences outside of budget… The Naia was lovely, but the crown goes to the Kuzma Stabi R, 4-Point and CAR60 cartridge. Still the most involving sound I’ve experienced so far from vinyl, but it should be at the cost. Both are out of budget though (sigh).

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You could always do what I did and custom build an LP12. Mine was Majik Chassis, Trampolin 2 base, Mose Hercules 2 PS, Rega RB880 arm and Apheta 3 Cart. Also has a Karousel bearing, but that is standard these days on a new build.
I tried both RP8 & RP10, but the Linn was just more to my liking and I’d wanted one for 30+ years🫣
The deck is better than a Majik, but not a Selekt. I have since upgraded to Lingo 4 PS and have some other upgrades in mind for possibly later this year.
As to setup, a Linn dealer that is building/providing you a deck should be coming out to install and set it up as part of the process. That’s part of being a Linn dealer.
Whatever you chose, I’m sure it will bring you hours of pleasure.:blush:

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Yes, if it is to be an Lp12, then that would be the best plan I think. A hybrid consisting of a new motor unit and either used or ex dem parts.

I really like P10, it is very very good. And combined with Apheta3 it makes for a sensational value for money proposition. The dealer commented that when combined with the Aura phono stage it takes that package it to a whole new level. But the Sondek did have that infectious quality though, call it ‘coloured’, or whatever, it’s still a compelling and hugely enjoyable deck.

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We have a second one on Mrs Q’s system.
It’s a vintage ‘80’s build with solid base and Cirkus bearing. We had the PS switched out for my Mose Hercules 2, but retained the Ittok LVII and fitted it with an Ortofon Bronze MM into a StageLine.
It’s such sweet sounding deck and looks lovely with its original Smoked lid.

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Now, that’s a nice second deck, I’ve always loved the design of the Ittok. Plus a smoked lid too - very desirable!

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Are there any owners of a Linn LP12 who wished they had a different turntable?

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What were your thoughts on the Orbe?

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My dealer built it from a donor deck that came to him as a trade in and used my Hercules PS. The only new piece was the cart and the whole thing was just £2k.
We are very happy with it and it gets used most Sunday mornings from April to October for Opera in the Conservatory.
A bit cold in the conservatory between November and March🥶

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Just found a pic in your thread about the second deck - it is lovely!

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certainly not me currently
LP12 Keel, VP Power Supply , Trampolin, Karousel, Ittok LV11, AT-VM95SH very sweet sounding , with Lingo 4 next on wish list

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@Thegreatroberto I thought it sounded very good, as at this level we are just choosing a preferred sound presentation. Overall it had a really good weighty sound, beautiful on vocals and the midrange. But, I just felt it sounded a little slower and muddled in bass reproduction compared to the other decks, and gave the impression that the bassists and drummers were playing slightly ‘behind’ on every record I played. And once I’d picked up not it, I found it really distracting.

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Thanks. Your findings mimic what i found with the gyro. Once i had changed the arm from rb303 to rb3000, a lot of the muddyness went. That plus a few other tweaks have turned my gyro/rb3000/krystal into my preferred source ( over the ndx2/555). As always the quality of pressing etc has a huge impact too.

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Hi YetiZone

My experience of LP12s has been one of very few visits to the dealer. When I lived in London I was happy to drive to a certain dealer outside Leicester who is phenomenally methodical at assembling LP12s at every price point. Once set up with eg new cartridge, it would be boxed, placed in car and driven home; then unboxed and placed on rack. Once installed I made no further adjustments until the next time I suffered upgradeittus. The high maintenance label often applied to LP12s has just not been my experience. Whilst I’m sure there are other very capable LP12 specialists I don’t have the benefit of checking them out. I just don’t think this should be a deciding factor when choosing a turntable. Perhaps the seemingly regular new options brought to market by Linn and Tangerine Audio may be of more concern to tempt you back to the dealer! But not maintenance. Good luck with your deliberations!

Peter

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You won’t go far wrong with an LP12. I have had mine for about 8 years now. Been through all the upgrades pretty much.

A nice sweet spot would be a custom build with Ekos 2, Kore, Karousel bearing, Trampolin 2 and a Lingo. Get a nice MC cart and MC phonostage and you will have a very sweet turntable.

This will be Selekt level at a cheaper price. If you can afford the Radikal 2 as well it will be worth it.

Depends on budget. LP12 Bits is very good. You can buy your bits on there and get dealer to assemble and save a load of money. Or speak to a dealer and see what they can do.

I had Lingo 1 prior to KRadikal 2 and even that was a very good power supply.

My LP12 started off pre Cirkus bearing, valhalla power supply with Goldring cart, Akito arm.

The beauty of Linn LP12 is it is modular and you can change bits out easily. For example I had a nice lid and outer platter. But wanted new ones so changed them out at little cost. Other thing is someone will always buy your used LP12 bits very quickly on the bay. I have changed out some parts for little money.

I love my LP12. Favourite piece of kit I own in my system bar none.

You can change every single part out with help of dealer so easily. And they are going nowhere, unlike some decks.

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If the Linn made you want to listen to more music than the others then in my view there is no contest and Linn it should be for you.

Once set up and running in your home, a modern Linn should not require any major attention for a long time.

Where I live nothing of that kind of thing is less than an hour away so I don’t have a lot of sympathy for travelling that far and for me it would not be an issue in order to get the TT I wanted and found to be the best for me.

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Years back yes, sold it on.

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I really enjoy my lp12, first turntable Iv bought! I do like how upgrades can be done at various levels

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Not now but I home demo’d one at approximately Akkurate level, it was of course very good but I preferred both the Avid Volvere and Xerxes. All personal preference.

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Hi,
is there a chance to listen to one of the more affordable Kuzma tables? As the Stabi R was your favorite among those you have listened to, you might like one inside your budget.

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@northpole After doing a little research, that’s what I’ve read. Linn’s improved components coupled with an accurate set up, mean that the LP12 doesn’t go out of true like it used to. That’s reassuring to find out I must say.

@Dan_M Yes, I’ve seen your updates on and off over the last month when looking into LP12 specs. Congrats on reaching the lofty pinnacle of the full LP12 monty - superb!

I’m not sure which spec I’d go for, other than that it will be Majik+ in some guise, in that I definitely want an improved power supply for 45 rpm control and speed access, and if I can stretch, a better sub-chassis too.

Great tip about LP12 Bits, as I’d never thought of buying individual components and then getting a good dealer to fit them, as I thought dealers would want to fit their own used stock.

@Mulberry Not easily, as there isn’t a Kuzma dealer nearby. And it would have to be the Stabi-S that’s in budget, and aesthetically, I’m just not its biggest fan. The Stabi-R is lovely though!

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