LP12 with 5 Series

Posted by: Mr_Sukebe on 04 June 2003

Over the last couple of months, I've heard two systems that use an LP12 on the front end of a "old" style set of amps/speakers.

Both systems have sounded positively brilliant on LP.
Having said that, I also found both to be very "in yer face" with CD, one being so bad that it was virtually unlistenable.

My thoughts on this are that the LP12 seems to be a little "soft" when compared to CD, and that it is simply great synergy between the harder sounding "old" amps and the "soft" LP12 working wonderfully together.

If the above is true, then just how do "new style" 5 series users get on with LP12s fronting their systems?

Come on guys, if you have one, what's your opinion and how do you feel it compares to CD?
Posted on: 04 June 2003 by Andrew L. Weekes
I have a 112 / 150 / CD5 system, with an LP12 / Ittok / Klyde / Prefix.

The LP12 works superbly with the 5 series. The issue is less that the warm balance of the LP12 works better with the older stuff, but more that the 5 series makes less of a meal of source imperfections, IME.

Andy.
Posted on: 04 June 2003 by Frank Abela
Mr. Sukebe

I disagree. I've always thought the LP12 was a bit soft! That's why I use a Gyrodec...Smile

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: 04 June 2003 by Mario
The LP12 bloody well rocks with the 5 series, a top spec. ALL LINN LP12 does not sound "soft". In my experience, the more that Linn perfect the thing, the more it sounds like CD in terms of tonality, but with a naturalness that naim are slowly approaching with their CD players, Mario.
Posted on: 04 June 2003 by P
I couldn't agree more. I have a new 2003 spec LP12/Lingo/Ekos2/TKable/Troika going into a flatcapped2'd Stageline K into a Nait and SBLS. It's on a Fraim and sounds really quite mind blowingly great.
The older precirkus deck sounds quite bloated in comparison (need to try this one on some Mana maybe).

P

[This message was edited by P on WEDNESDAY 04 June 2003 at 17:00.]
Posted on: 04 June 2003 by David Stewart
The choice of cartridge can make a big difference too. My LP12 is a pre-Cirkus Valhalla deck with an Ittok and a DV 10x4 going into a Nait3 and that doesn't sound even a wee bit bloated or soft. CD performance is fine too, now I put a HiCap on the CD3.5, but was a tad harsh on some CDs before.

David
Posted on: 04 June 2003 by Martin Payne
Frank,

that's a little confusing. It read to me that you agree with Mr_Sukebe!

cheers, Martin

E-mail:- MartinPayne at Dial.Pipex.com
Posted on: 04 June 2003 by J.N.
Mister 'S'

Andy Weekes has hit the nail on the head, I reckon.

I use an LP12 - Ittok - DV 10x4 through a Stageline/202/Hicap/250 and it sounds great. I also love my CDSII.

I've got over useless comparisons - I enjoy the different strengths of both sources.
Posted on: 04 June 2003 by Andrew L. Weekes
My turn to disagree.

My LP12 is anything but soft. It leaves the CDP for dead with any music, particularly complex stuff.

In terms of dynamics the CD just doesn't get a look in, relatively speaking.

It's also easy to tailor the sound of the LP12 to anything you like - an Ekos for explosive dynamics or an Aro for it's more beguiling natural characteristics for example.

Can't do that with CD (easily).

Andy.
Posted on: 04 June 2003 by bjorne
Have to agree with mr. Weekes. I doubt there is any cdplayer that can beat a good turntable. I also think the prices of most top cdplayers have gone mad. You get superior sound for less money IMO with vinyl. What do the people think who own both topflight cdplayers and turntables?
Posted on: 04 June 2003 by bjorne
Maim it in three. I also use a modified cdplayer, Arcam Delta 270, which has been modified in stages by a friend of mine. I really enjoy the sound from it and believe there are many cdplayers out there that would benefit a lot from some modifications. After my friends last work on my player I have compared it with a cd3.5/hicap in a friends Naim sistem and we both agreed that the difference in sound quality was so minor that we both could live with any of them. However, to my ears it is clearly inferior to my turntable, even if it does make meaningful music.

Regarding setup, yes it is vital. But when properly done....

What modifications have you done to your Meridian?