Sondek LP12 which upgrades?

Hi everyone, I have an LP12 with a Karousel, Trampolin 2, a Moerch UP-4 tonearm (mounted on the original Linn armboard, suitably drilled) and a Benz Ruby cartridge.

To take it to the next level, I’m considering upgrading the power supply (currently a Majik PSU) and the subchassis (currently the standard Majik one).

I don’t have room for an external PSU, so I was thinking of either a Valhalla Zeus or a Vinyl Passion Revolver.

As for the subchassis, since I’d like to keep the Moerch tonearm, I believe my only option would be a Tangerine Audio K-U-V.

What do you think? Any alternatives, ideas or advice?

Thanks!

The Lingo 4 can be tucked away on the floor if need be.

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Hi @Paperman

You have the crucial Karousel which is the best foundation to build on. If you could only do one upgrade to your existing set up I’d take @paulbysea‘s advice and get the Lingo4. I have no idea what your budget is, but if it’s tight, I’d still push for a second hand L4. It’s a significant jump in quality.

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Be Radikal!

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I switched from the standard subchassis to Kore many years ago. A nice improvement and seemed to bring a better focus and flow to the music. Perhaps that should be your next step? Not sure if you have a particular dealer you use, but if you’re unsure as to how best to proceed then a chat with Peter at Cymbiosis might be worthwhile.

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What is everything sitting on?

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I’m not sure his arm will fit a Kore, which he wants to keep.

Good point!

Exactly, I’d like to keep the armboard (or have a new, integrated sub-armboard custom-drilled for third-party arms).

Why do we do this? After settling down earlier this year replacing my Olive system with a Linn DSM and ATC actives, I honestly felt that I was done. My LP12 is a good spec (Ittok, Kore, Karousel, Lingo 4) and is nicely balanced with the rest of the system. Sounds amazing, job done.

So what do I find myself doing? I think about selling the NAC52 which is the last bit of Olive left and what to do with the money. New front door? New car port? UPVC facias on extension? No, I’m doing man maths of how to get to a Klimax LP12:

EBay sales
Ittok - £650
Kore - £650
Lingo4 - £1000
NAC52/PS - £2750

EBay purchases
Ekos SE - £2995
Keel - £1500
Radikal 1 - £1500

Balance to pay
£945!

I need rehab fast! :joy::joy::joy::joy::joy::joy::joy:

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We are all Adikts. I’ve had a Majik since January and am already turning over in my mind whether to add a Lingo 4 or save up further and ask my local dealer about a Radikal 2. If you buy all those parts, do you take them to a dealer to ask them to fit them? Best wishes, RSS

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Some parts can be fitted for free if you collect them. Others for a small fee. For me I would get them fitted by a dealer. It’s not expensive.

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Thanks that’s good to know :sun_with_face:

If you haven’t already, I would recommend hearing the high spec LP12. To some ears better is not always more enjoyable. Leaner, cleaner more analytical etc.

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Yeah, I do agree, its kind of why I moved away from Naim and the 252/300 or 552/500 route. Although upgrades look affordable now I am leaning towards keeping what I have. Simply because I feel better about it. I think a better direction might be a more exotic plinth and a brand new lid and base board.