I own an old lp12 and I was thinking to transform it with carosel stiletto dc motor, arm etc but calculating the cost it is exceeding a vertere mg2 and I really don’t know where to go
Have you considered the Rega Naia too? And do you mean the V MG1-mk2?
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Both are very good options and it may be very difficult to audition both back-to-back.
I have owned 2 LP12s over the years and am a fan. I also own a Vertere MG-1 in virtually mark 2 spec.
Unless you know someone who has tried both, go with your heart. You win either way.
Good luck, BF
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@piebia good morning,
Where are you based? If in UK there’s a dealer in Leicestershire who can demonstrate both. Traditionally I would have said that the LP12 would major on warmth and the Vertere on dynamics but I’ve no idea what the Stiletto does, it looks impressive.
What I can say is having had my Xerxes adapted with a Vertere SG tonearm and PSU it’s a compelling listen, beautiful music.
The recommendation above for the Rega is very well made as well.
Good luck.
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You’re vague about your ‘old’ LP12 and while information about it won’t help with a comparison with the Vertere, people here could advise on the relative benefits of upgrades to the LP12. For example, although it is well regarded here, the Stiletto is at the very high end of upgrades and is not a Linn product. If for example your LP12 has an Ittok you may find that upgrading the bearing to the Karousel and improving the power supply (what do you have now?) will transform the LP12. In other words upgrading the LP12 to a satisfactory level may not be as expensive as you are assuming. Moreover, should you be in the U.K. there is an extensive market of s/h LP12 upgrades.
To be honest I know the p10 very well but it is to much dry for my tastes
I m based in Italy. I don’t have carousel, my lps is the heed lps and my arm is a Rega rp900. I think the radical is the way to go.
For sure the bearing, the LPs and the arm they need to be changed and you are already really near to a vertere mg1 mk2 price, and it has a top notch bearing and arm. I know the tempo is really good but everyone who auditioned the imperium was speachless.
You are a fan but you moved to the mg1, so your implicit suggestion is obvious
Definitely go and listen Vertere tops my list!
Hi @Piebia,
I am not recommending the MG-1 over the LP12. I enjoy both.
My LP12s were not of a top end spec so when I tried them back-to-back with a DVXX-2 cartridge against a Roksan Xerxes 20+ with the same XX-2 cartridge and Nottingham Analogue Hyperspace, I preferred the Xerxes and traded in my then LP12 for the Xerxes.
The Xerxes then became the MG-1 a few years ago and the MG-1 has been improved since then
However, this does not imply that an MG-1 is “better” than a higher spec LP12 in any way.
Hence, no overt or subliminal bias recommendation to one or the other. Both are super turntables, so you win either way.
Best regards, BF
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I spent around 4K a couple of years ago getting my ageing LP12 up to around Selekt level, which for me was a bargain; others might make a different choice and spend the money on a different TT. My advice is to go for whichever sounds better to you.
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