Linn Axis Turntable VS Planar 3

I have only heard the Axis with the Basik arm, although the Akito is similar even if (I'm told) slightly better. I would be very surprised if the Axis/Akito combo was a significant improvement over your Planar 3 (assuming you have something like an RB250 or 300 on it). There might be some improvement, but it would be small -- indeed, I think I'd choose a Planar 3 over an Axis, all other things equal.

So I'd save my pennies for an LP12, if I were you.

It has an RB300.

Garth

An Axis demolishes a Planar 3. No contest.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
Linn Binn Sinner

Keep the Rega!

Bob

Keep the Planar 3 untill a second hand LP12 is an option.
The RB300 is easily superior to the Axis.
Jay

We seem to be running 3 to 1 against the Axis. This suprised me as I did a search and historically the consensus seems to be that an Axis/Akito is somewhere between somewhat and signifcantly better than a Planar 3/RB300.

Anyone care to describe the difference in sound?

Cheers,
Garth

Hi Garth,

I paid $Cdn 600. for a mint Axis/Basik Plus/K9 about 10 years ago after having to begrudgingly return a long term loan Sondek to its rightful owner (who promptly broke it). I purchased the Axis from the original owner and he included his redundant Sound Organisation Wall Stand in the deal. The new price at the time was $Cdn 1725. (plus taxes) for Axis/Akito(I)/K9! I would never have considered buying new as a used LP12/LVII could be had for less than $2K at the time. I had just purchased my first home and was looking for a good interim solution for under $1K.

I have since purchased a good number of used budget decks on impulse including various Systemdeks, Revolvers and the odd Planar 2 and 3. Although I never have directly compared Axis vs. Planar 3 with the same cartridge fitted, I did swap between them quite regularly for a number of years (occasionally swapping cartridges along the way as well).

Although I would have been relatively satisfied with either deck (as an interim step at least), I have since sold off the Planar 3 (and assorted others) and kept the Axis.

I do like the mid Linn's sound and believe that since adding the IBLs to my setup it has revealed its superiority over the lower Planars. As things stand system wise I wouldn't trade the deck for anything less than an LP12 (In fact I did just that earlier this year but got stuck with a tatty Sondek via web classifieds which I promptly shoved back up the vendors...er...long story).

The Axis motor is dead quite and this is very evident when one compares it with other decks (including non-Lingo'ed LP12s). The spaces between notes are eerily black. The power supply is far more advanced than most, including the Valhalla board, as it was the precursor to the Lingo (same modus operandi in miniature). Outside of a P9 none of the Rega's can compete here, new motor or not.

The decks suspension isolation properties are certainly no worse than those of the Rega (possibly better) although the plinth construction isn't as solid, leading to some occasional bass muddle with certain notes at certain levels. In any case, a proper dedicated support located well away from the speakers makes all the difference in the world. I have gotten good results using a Sound Organisation Floor Stand, an Ikea Lack and the included Wall Stand (FWIW, I would never consider running a turntable on a multi-shelf equipment rack).

The two decks offer a very different perspective on the music. The Linn has greater warmth and extension in the lower notes than the Planar but not nearly the upper bass bloom of the pre-Cirkus LP12. Both the Axis and P3 play tunes very well but present a quite different balance. The Rega is faster and leaner sounding depending upon siting and cartridge choice. The Axis, on the other hand, makes female vocalists go up a cup size no matter where you plonk it or what cufflink hangs off its arm (no bad thing in my book as long as they don't go all Dolly Parton. In any case, the IBLs would counter this affect by applying a bit of reductionism surgery. Ah, system balance at last).

I would think that if you like the sound of Sondek you will enjoy that of the Axis nearly as much. Not quite in the same league but clearly in the same camp.

A home dem would be a very good idea as you are likely very accustomed to the Planar sound. I can’t comment on the suitability of the Denon but Dynavector's 10x (now available in hi or low output) would be a very synergistic choice.

Craig
PS. The price seems reasonable, however, I'd shame the dealer into replacing the dust cover and including the taxes in the $600. for not providing a cartridge and making me wait for a new cover.

Garth-

I don't think the Planar 3 is necessarily better than an Axis, or vice-versa. I think the choice between the two is one of preference.

That said, I think moving to an Axis is a sideways step-not a clear, unambiguous upgrade, and thus I would not bother with it. If you want to clearly upgrade the Rega, replace it with a used LP12, used P9, or something similar.

Best Regards,

Bob Edwards

thanks to everyone's input. And thanks to Craig for your detailed report. I thought new dust covers ran around $100. any thoughts Craig. I must admit that the thought of going from my nice immaculate smoked grey dust cover to a clear cracked one is not very exciting.

Seems we are now running 2 to 3 in favour of the Rega. Any more votes or opinions?

For what its worth, I recently substituted my old AR turntable with a cheap, cheap cartridge into my primary system and some ways preffered it to the Rega. It seemed to me like I might actually prefer it in some ways. Perhaps a little warmer, more open, and abit less hyper. Don't know for sure. I suspect some of it may have something to do with the suspension. Surprised me as I gather the Rega is supposed to be a much better turntable. Perhaps I just have peculiar tastes.

Garth,

Just wanted to add that I do agree in principal with Bobs assertion above regarding the Axis being a sideways step and not a clear unambiguous upgrade.

However, taking Tony Lonorgan's Concept of Free Hi-Fi(TM) into consideration it still may be worth your while to give the Axis a listen, assuming your dealer is up to fitting the Denon to it (I would steer clear of him if he isn't willing to put any effort into the sale).

Considering what I paid for mine nearly 10 years ago, the Axis will likely hold its value even better than will your Planar 3 until such time that you decide whether stretching to an LP12 or similar is worth the investment.

In the mean time the sale of your Rega/K9 would very nearly cover the cost of the Axis. BTW, a new P3 is $Cdn 899. (plus cartridge) making yours worth at least half that assuming it isn't too old or tatty (whether or not your K9 sounds as though it is choking on a bone is immaterial).

The bottom line is that both decks are great. The question is which one suits you best?

Craig

$100. sounds familiar. I'd make the new replacement cover (and fresh hinges) a condition of sale as you would be buying a new Denon and the used Axis.

Craig

I bought a new Axis for $1100AUD ($550 US) 12 years ago. Including Basik arm and cartridge ( can't remeber which model).

I have really enjoyed listening to it.

However I think $400us for a used Axis less cartridge and damaged cover is a bit much. I think $250-$300 would be fairer. Remember that there are lots of moving parts in turntables you'd expect them to depreciate more than amps.

Gus

quote:

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That said, I think moving to an Axis is a sideways step-not a clear, unambiguous upgrade, and thus I would not bother with it. If you want to clearly upgrade the Rega, replace it with a used LP12, used P9, or something similar.

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Having owned an Axis and a Lingo LP12 and spent a fair amount of time in the past listening to other mid-range turntables like the Revolver, Manticore Mantra, Systemdek and Michel Synchro I can say with some confidence that the Axis is definitely closer in performance to the P3 than the LP12. I agree with Bob therefore and probably wouldn't bother with such a small step up.
John

quote:

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Originally posted by garth:

How will this sound compared to my Planar 3? I would use the DL110 on the Linn if I bought it. The dealer wants $600CDN ($400US) for it. Good Deal?

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$400 is about £260 Sterling and used LP12's can be had for that over here. In fact I paid a bit less than that for mine.

How much to basic used LP12's go for over there? How much more than the price of that Axis would a used LP12 cost you?

Regards
Steve

The local Linn dealer had a very beat-up LP12, looked like it was used for kick the can. Was asking $850.00 Canadian or at current rates...342.xxx pounds.

Current prices is a bit tricky.... they don't come up very often up here, and tend to be a bit pricy. The range probably starts at about Canadian 1200.00 / 500 pounds and goes up from there. You will get the odd abused sample - see above, or maybe somebody who does not know what its worth....

All in all quite abit more expensive this side of the pond.

regards,

michael

Garth,

When I bought my second hand Axis from my dealer three or four years ago I made some critical comparisons. I had the same choice to make. First comparison was Axis against Rega Planar 3, second Axis versus Rega Planar 25, all with Dynavector 10x4 cartridges. All running with Naim 102/180/SBL.
The Axis beated the Planar 25 easily, the Planar 3 sounded like a complete minor league. It took only a few seconds to make my decision.
Just let YOUR ears decide before you choose the much inferior Planar 3! The price seems also ok.
Regards

Christian

I concur with what Mykel has found. Here in Victoria LP12's show up at my Linn dealer maybe a couple of times a year and usually sell very quickly. Valhalla/Ittok combos seem to run from $1400-1800 CDN in decent shape. Basic's are maybe a couple of hundred less if they are in good shape.

Hopefully I will out from under various year end pressures by next week - receive some cheques in the mail - and get a chance to visit my dealer and decide whether the new DL110 they have ordered is going to find a home on that Axis or on my Rega. they have offered me $300 for the Rega - don't know if they expect me to include the K9 - so the cost of switching from Rega to Axis would be $350 plus Rega for trade. I would try to get them to come down abit from that or throw in a new dustcover and hinges. I bought the Rega privately for $300 so maybe what they are offering is not too bad. If I sell the Rega privately for $450 I would save about $100 minus the hassle and cost of selling it. Given how busy I am with Baby, Christmas, etc. that $100 may be a fair price to pay for savings in hassle. I will let folks know what I decide when I get around to visiting my dealer.

The bigger richer sound of the Axis sounds like something that would appeal to me.

thanks for all the input,

cheers,
Garth