FYI, I’ve taken several years in trying to rationalise the costs of this kit, as it’s ‘not cheap’ (in absolute and relative terms). Some have got there via the pre-loved market, even perhaps flea-bay. The determining aspect to me was that once you are high-up in the Linn eco-system, changing to a.n.other manufacturer can be exceedingly painful financially, as pre-loved Linns don’t really have much love IME! That’s the bad news.
The Rega Naia, perhaps the most accessible comparable, and far cheaper in ‘new’ form, offers very quiet replay and great dynamics – but, if you’re used to the excitement & energy an LP12 brings to the party, it doesn’t take overly long to realise what’s best IMHO. As @frenchrooster has stated, one wonders whether a Naia with a better cartridge (e.g. Lyra) would win the day, but this isn’t an easily accessible comparison – and how many hours do we have in our lives to travel to assess these things?
What I will reinforce, is that this plinth (and baseboard set-up – I haven’t got the full Tangerine offering (yet!)), makes a big difference to the replay. I wouldn’t buy one without a side by side demo, as you may be shocked/perhaps not. Classic YMMV.
My turntable is in great shape with a mix of new and lightly used parts. It has still cost a small fortune. The Radikal Klimax 2, Urika, Karousel, outer platter, lid are bought from new. The Keel, Kandid and Ekos SE/1 are bought lightly used. The plinth and hinges are used. Plinth is only thing from original.
Been serviced on install and I am happy with it. I did have problems with LP12 in early days when I got it. Had to have Akito rebuilt by Audio Origami. Rewire and new bearings. Had Kore and Cirkus installed too. And Lingo 1. Been through most of upgrades and know the table well.
What does Stiletto and Skorpion bring to the table more specifically compared to my spec? I am interested and looking to demo. Interested in your thoughts being a new owner!
I think I’ll need @Clive to affirm some of these things. My ears point to (in a non-Spock way!):
1- Noise floor is greatly reduced, seemingly allowing the arm & cartridge combo to work far better.
2- the result of this is much improved detailing, separation, bass performance. The deck just cleans-up the whole musical picture. It’s quite startling to my ears.
as to which bit of the kit does what, I think the plinth has the most influence. The Skorpion base is all-metal (replaces the Tramp) and sits on 3 contacts points, each point having a shallow cup with Sorbothane as the contact base.
My previous spec was Harban plinth, Tramp, Tiger Paw top-plate, and Akurate PS (now also upgraded).
Many years ago, I heard a direct comparison at Cymbiosis, and the differences to a higher-spec LP12 at that time were stark – and, IIRC, this was before the Skorpion baseplate was introduced. All I can say is, if you are really interested, you need to have a listen – but it ain’t cheap.
Take 2 – respecting things your end, how are you for car travelling at the moment? – my guess 90 mins. If tenable, ask @Richard.Dane to share your e-mail with me?
I am very fit and healthy overall. Cancer is not affecting me physically. More mentally at moment. Be good to come and have a listen if you’re okay with that.
