LP12 Dem
Posted by: Alex S. on 14 June 2002
I'm confused, always have been. Here's a few reasons why:
'Ekos has much better grip and control, awesome bass'.
'Aro really makes an LP12 sing'.
'Ekos is a control freak, sterile, unengaging; an Ittok's more fun'.
'Aro is warm but veiled, hardly any better than an Ittok, in some ways worse'.
And so it goes. Its the same with the Lingo, Geddon. Others think the Norton, or whatever, blows them both away.
So, is there a dealer in the country willing and able to dem fully Linned and fully Naimed decks side by side? Will they let me bring my Ittoked version to the party.
Maybe I should buy a Well Tempered, or whatever, instead?
Or what about plan B: Stop faffing about, spend any money on cannabis resin and enjoy the deck I've got.
Alex
Posted on: 14 June 2002 by Willy
Alex,
I read somewher recently that anyone who has smoked 50+ joints is six times more likely to suffer from schizsophrenia (and can't remember wher they left their dictionary).
This explains it all. These are obviously all the views of a single person who has over indulged!
Willy - a registered Malt abuser.
Posted on: 14 June 2002 by Alex S.
quote:
How about a Platine Verdier?
Do I inhale or inject that?
Posted on: 14 June 2002 by Frank Abela
Given the low sales of decks and arms, it's not surprising that a dealer will nail his colours to one mast. However, I would be very surprised if a dealer didn't let you bring along your own deck for comparison's sake!
Then he'd have to have the same power supply and cartridge to really make the differences due to the arm obvious...(a Naim mast is unlikely to go with a Lingo...)
Provided, of course, your deck's in fine fettle and has been serviced recently...
Too many damned variables...
Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.
Posted on: 14 June 2002 by Andrew L. Weekes
is that it's so awfully difficult to remember all those amazing things you heard, once the effects have worn off, which means the habit could get expensive.
I also strongly recommend not bothering with the resin though, get the real green stuff and take it like a man
Andy.
Posted on: 03 July 2002 by Steveandkate
don't expect too many replies to this one...
Posted on: 03 July 2002 by J.N.
There's a very interesting test report thingy in the latest Hi-Fi+ on LP12 accessories.
Arms, power supplies and supports are all assessed and reported upon.
Bottom line is; you still need to listen I guess.
I think it's generally acknowledged here that the Armageddon is the best p/s.
Ekos is meaty beaty big and bouncy: Aro is flowing, transparent and delicate.
I'm a great believer in having no baseboard.
Variability in LP12's seems to be (as always) a problem. My dealer has just serviced a fairly old non Cirkussed LP12 with a Basic arm. He reckons that it sounds better than a recently supplied, brand new LP12 with an Ekos AND more expensive cartridge.
I can believe it. My first one (new in 1981) was a pig. Would never stay set-up or bounce properly.
My current oldish LP12 with Ittok sounds better than my second LP12, which had an Ekos. Good ones seem to stay set-up for ever without any tweaking and are characterised by an open, agile, transparent sound.
It's a bugger; ain't it?
Posted on: 03 July 2002 by Markus
"My current oldish LP12 with Ittok sounds better than my second LP12, which had an Ekos. Good ones seem to stay set-up for ever without any tweaking and are characterised by an open, agile, transparent sound."
I own an oldish LP12 but can't imagine a new LP12 with an Ekos not stomping the daylights out of it. Mine does seem to have no trouble staying in tune, despite being moved across the country a couple of times... But as far as sounding better than an Ekos, that idea is a surprise to me...
Marku
Posted on: 03 July 2002 by JeremyD
quote:
Originally posted by J.N.:
...I can believe it. My first one (new in 1981) was a pig. Would never stay set-up or bounce properly.
Good ones seem to stay set-up for ever without any tweaking and are characterised by an open, agile, transparent sound.
For many years Linn used springs that became strained with use, and regular resets were needed to maintain performance.
My Cirkus kit came with new springs, and ever since then I've never had to worry about the suspension going off-tune - it's just not an issue anymore. I'm sure my LP12's suspension would benefit from having some new rubber grommets because these will inevitably have lost elasticity over nine years, but I suspect that a full reset would be an unnecessary extravagance.
I can't help wondering if some of the set-up problems we read about on the forum are due to newer, less experienced dealers not quite getting to grips with the importance of getting all aspects of set-up exactly right.
JD
Posted on: 03 July 2002 by J.N.
The dealer of whom I speak, has had 20 years plus, experience of the beloved Scottish vinyl grinding machine.
The disturbing truth seems to be that there are good ones and bad ones, no matter how much they are fettled or fussed over.
That's engineering for you.
Posted on: 04 July 2002 by Alex S.
Interesting stuff.
It takes a while for HF+ to filter down into the silt that is SE London but I await its arrival eagerly.
I've decided to service my LP12 again, its had a cartridge change every week for months it seems and doesn't bounce much any more.
Mine's sans baseboard, Ittok arm-lift, split cable, 3M feet - you know, all the tweaks that make it all but worthless second hand!
So, without being a Mana bore - I'm going to keep the deck, get it to Phase 4 and be happy. I have a ghastly feeling that if I start auditioning I'll end up with a Clearaudio or something!
Nonethless, thanks to all.
Alex
