I hesitate to start this thread only because it points only to one person and his personal bias. But I present it only because he appears to have done an absolutely ENORMOUS amount of work in setting up and contributing the content to his website. This site is HUGE, and he's got a hell of a lot to say. You can't fault him, at least, on that point.
But to the funny stuff: in his list of recommended components, he says in part,
"LINN SONDEK LP-12 (USED ONLY)- The Linn Sondek LP-12 is now an obsolete 1970's design that has had a number of minor (in audibility, but not in cost!) improvements in the last 15 years. It is, by far, the most overrated audio component of all time and also the most obvious example that, especially in the audio world, "marketing" is much more important to the financial success of a component than its ultimate performance."
. . .
"To end the "Linn bashing" on a pragmatic note: Serious audiophiles can use all the Linn-hype to their advantage when reading and assessing the opinions of 'audio reviewers' and all other self-proclaimed 'experts'. The rule is simple:
The more a 'reviewer' (or any fellow audiophile) is impressed with the Linn LP-12 in comparison to any of the other turntables recommended above, the less credibility (with turntables) he or she deserves."
Anyway, for purposes of assigning credit, the author's name is Salvatore, and his site is The Audio Critique. You can find it at http://www.high-endaudio.com/index.html.
Anyway, much of his site is full of interesting stuff on reviewers and hi-fi stores, etc. Check it out--it's funny.
ps. I have LP12, and love it.
Judd
Posted on: 13 January 2002 by Mike Sae
There's nothing like listing the LP12 as a Supreme Component of all time, then going on a tirade about how crap it is.
Someone should tell him he's never heard an LP12 properly, as it wasn't on M****.
My favorite quote:
quote:
I used custom made "sand boxes" underneath the main amplifiers and speakers, plus bags of thick fluid under all the components.
Right. Off to get some colostomy bags, then.
At least he rates your Spicas one of the "Supreme Components" of all time. Too bad he has "no direct experience with them".
[This message was edited by Mike Sae on SUNDAY 13 January 2002 at 08:33.]
Posted on: 13 January 2002 by pm
Justin,
I agree that his views are possibly extreme but are they wrong???
I have an up to date LP12/lingo/ekos/dynavector which I love to bits, but I haven't heard any of the other kit he mentions. If he has, then we have to accept his opinion for what it is.... his opinion... and hey, he might be right.
He also says some quite logical things which I (and probably you) can relate to. The LP12 is expensive right now. It must be even more so for non UK buyers. It is MUCH MUCH better value second hand. Many UK reviewers note that the LP12 is not the last word in turntables anymore. Whether that's anti-Linnism, fashion or just plain old honest reviewing, I don't have the experience to know.
He says some quite nice things about the Ittok versus Ekos. Views which I've read on this forum also. The Ekos is expensive, and his comments about reliability are not unfounded. My Ekos has just been upgraded because of bearing problems. Problems I do not expect in an underused precision device less than ten years old that cost that amount of money.
In summary, I know nothing of most the equipment or recordings he writes about. I DO recognise many of the things he writes about the stuff I do know however.
If his experience really is that broad, then I'm prepared to cut him some slack...... if only for the amount of effort he has put into the site... and being prepared to take the flak!!
It takes all sorts.... hey, you don't have to leave this site for some polarised, extreme views!!!
Posted on: 13 January 2002 by Peter C
I personally am happy to play my LP's using an LP12/Ekos. At the end of the day that's all that matters to me.
