Linn Sondek advice please.

quote:

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Originally posted by Mike Gundry:

And what dealers are good with LP12’s, or are all Naim dealers good with this product.

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If Exeter is not to far then try Sevenoaks in Exeter .They also sell Naim

Mike:

Depending upon when you last had your LP12 set up by a dealer, it could probably use several Linn updates to springs, grommets and other little items that add up to a large improvement. Your LP12 could also benefit from a dedicated power supply such as the Lingo or Naim Armageddon. Both are very good and a significant improvement to the Valhalla. Next the Cirkus bearing upgrade could be considered, too.

You will probably need to replace the Troika or have it retipped. Right now you could trade it in (Linn is offering this again) on a new Arkiv B or the just released Akiva (I don't know about this one yet - too new).

Regarding a phono stage, you should consider the Prefix (but it will need a HiCap too), Linn Linto or Naim Stageline.

Consider also the support table the LP12 sits on. Mana is always recommended with the LP12. A less expensive choice would be an Audiotech table (if still available).

So, my recommendations in order:
1. update all turntable bits and pieces/retune
2. fit new cartridge (Arkiv B recommended)
3. buy Linto/Stageline/Prefix-Hicap

You can now go ahead and play your LPs.

Additional recommended options:
4. install Lingo (if you have 45rpm discs) or Armageddon
5. install Cirkus
6. place on dedicated Mana support

Paul

[This message was edited by Paul B on WEDNESDAY 12 February 2003 at 03:09.]

Mike,

My LP12 is about the same vintage as yours, though I only bought it second hand in 89. Unfortunatly there have been so many changes since the mid 80's that I think the only parts of my LP12 left that were there when I bought it are the lid and outer platter.

I can't remember all the changes but will try and list a few.

1) Plinth. Unless your plinth has the corner braces then the plinth can be changed. Did this so long ago that I can't remember how much difference it makes. I beleive that it is not possible to mount a Naim Prefix inside an LP12 without the corner braces.

2) Motor. The motor definatley changed to a newer quieter version.

3) Baseboard. There is a solid baseboard rather than the hardboard one. I have not done this upgrade, just remove the hardboard one. I think you need to be really careful with this as you are using a Valhalla PS which has a fairly high live current running through it. Removing the baseboard does improve the sound though.

4) Cirkus upgrade. This is a new bearing and sub-chasis. A big change to the LP12. Makes the LP12 a much more neutral deck at the bottom end of the frequency spectrum. Some people think it removes the LP12's character, but personally I think it's a big improvement.

I am sure there are probably other changes to the LP12 as well, but not sure what they may be.

I think the cost of this lot would probably come in about the same as a new LP12 Basic though. Best bet may be to take into a good Linn dealer and get them to check out what could be done.

Then there is the external PSU option, either Armageddon or Lingo. I prefer the Lingo, others are using the geddon. Lingo and Ekos just seem to work better than Armageddon and Ekos.

Your Troika probably also needs either a re-build or replacement. Depending on funds I can recommend a Dynavector as a replacement. I have used the 17D2 ( at about 450 pounds) and the XX-2 (about 1000 pounds) in an Ekos, and both work really well.

As to phone stages, if you go Naim then it's either the Stageline or Prefix. Prefix is supposed to be better ( sorry never tried either), but see point 1 above. As you are using a NAC202 pre you shouldn't need an extra power supply for either, as all the new pre's have a powered connector for the phono stage, but a standalone PSU would be better.

Alternativly to any upgrades, you could just get the LP12 serviced, make sure the cartridge is OK, and enjoy your record collection. After all LP12/Ekos is still a damn good deck.

Simon