s/h Linn LP-12

Posted by: Alco on 29 October 2000

Hi Guys,

I read a Dutch HiFi-magazien this week, where an
audio-shop advertised with a s/h Linn LP12 for 1250 Dutch Guilders(about 350 UKP), without arm.
If I would (if it could!) combine it with a Rega
RB300 arm an a decent cartridge would it outperform my Naim CD-3.5 ??
I'm very happy with the cd-3.5 but I always liked
vinyl better. Only thing is...I only have about 25 LP. (and about 400 CD's)
Now, is it wise to still buy the LP-12, or another
turntable, or should I just sompliment my cd-3.5 by adding a flatcap ?
(b.t.w I use an old Nait-2 amp, and MA studio-2's)

Greetings,
Alco
undefined

Posted on: 29 October 2000 by Willem van Gemert

Hello Alco,

Why don't you try a Rega P3 instead. No fuss, relatively cheap, great fun and a good start for the number of LP's you have.

Ciao!

Willem

P.S. Adding a flatcap to your CD 3.5 is worth it, but IMHO only if you find a second hand one for a good price.

Posted on: 29 October 2000 by Former member

If the LP12 has the Valhalla power supply fitted and is in good condition, £350 is a fair price.
The RB300 will work on the Linn but isn't the best match. A used Ittok, Syrinx, or (original) Mission 774 are good used arm choices. You should be able to find an Ittok for £150-200 which will sound better than the Rega.

Allow some cash for a set-up - the Linn is not worth using if not properly tuned.

If you want a capable, cheap, starter MC cartridge you can't beat a Denon DL110 (£80).
This is a high output device and will work straight into the MM input on the Nait.

And yes, the LP12 will demolish your 3.5 - so be warned!

A P3 is indeed a fine 'fit n forgett' TT - but it's no Linn. Your amp & speakers deserve a better front end.

Good luck

Rob.

Posted on: 29 October 2000 by Former member

I will not recommend the Rega arm to a LP12, as the arm’s weight is not suitable to an LP12. I know of no other than Linn arm (and Aro also) there will give good results. Rob is right about an 2.hand Ittok, and get a Linn clinic or people that can adjust the combination, otherwise the sound could be mediocre.
A circus upgrade will probably do wonders on early LP12.
Software should be no problem if you accept used vinyl……..

I think you are better off with a mm, K9, grado, analog tracer etc….

Good luck !!!

Per

Posted on: 30 October 2000 by Greg Beatty

...you only have 25 records. An LP12 for 25 records sounds out of balance to me.

And only you know if you are the type of person who will:

1) spend money on expensive (compared to CD of same titles) vinyl reissues,

2) buy used vinyl from a used vinyl specialist (also not cheap), or

3) hunt garage sales and such for cheap vinyl if the type of music you like is available this way.

Otherwise, get a cheap table to play the 25 LPs or replace the LPs with CDs and forget about it.

- GregB
Freedom is not in finding the Holy Grail but in stopping the search for it

Posted on: 30 October 2000 by Former member

Non- vinyl user ... but :-

Adding a flatcap to a 3.5. Demoed flatcap and highcap about a year ago with Nait 3 and some meaty 'speakers. Flatcap aided dynamics and analytics a lot - but sucked all the 'warmth' out IMHO. Hicap did all the good stuff and more without any of the downsides.

Stongly suggest you demo flatcap with your own gear before buying and try to do both power supplies. I (personally) would have been unhappy with the flatcap - but many like it.

Jonathan