Leveling LP12

Posted by: silklee on 10 November 2003

Guys,
I finally got a good condition and working LP12 on my Mana. It’s a 1986 or so LP12 with Ittok and Armageddon. At present I am using a dynavector 10x4 cartridge, using an external phono ERA Gold.

It is all resting on my Mana phase 2(?) table, except the phono that is.

The arm board is flush against the metal top plate and the thing seems to bounce perfectly fine. The speed seems spot on using the stroboscope to check.

But, the inner platter and the outer platter isnt level. Looking at it carefully, it seems to me that the left side of the outer platter is much closer to the metal top plate than the right side. I suspect maybe it is because the centre ‘spindle’ where the inner platter is resting on isnt vertically straight up.

What I am doing now is unbalancing my mana to compensate for it.

Is there a way I can resolve this without using the mana to compensate for it?

Posted on: 10 November 2003 by JeremyB

Silklee,
Might be worth checking that the bolts that go through the top plate holding the bearing in place are not loose.
Jeremy

Posted on: 10 November 2003 by MJSM

Silklee,

Did you buy the LP12 S/H ?? if so, it might need checking out at a Linn dealer, always advisable to get them to set it up anyhow,

Sounds to me like the bearing might be questionable, Does it level up OK off the Mana ??

I also have an old LP12 (around 1987) but it has had the Cirkus (bearing) upgrade, don't know what this costs now, but I guess it's worth it.

Cheers
Mike

Posted on: 11 November 2003 by Rico

Silklee

unbalancing your mana to comensate is no solution - you need an LP12 setup.

If you don't have the services of a good dealer where you are, perhaps you might persuade a passing expat?

Rico - SM/Mullet Audio

PS - pleased to see you waited for an LP12.

Posted on: 11 November 2003 by Lo Fi Si

Don't use the top plate as a reference, it isn't flat (designed like that). You can visually check the platter with reference to the three bolt heads that sit underneath the platter though. Checking that the plinth is level and then checking the platter should give an you some idea about how true the bearing is.

Simon

Posted on: 11 November 2003 by silklee

Rico,
Good things come to those who wait i suppose. And the best part is that it comes with the geddon.

James,
I hope i didnt stuff up the perfectly tuned mana *totally*. I only adjusted the mini table.

Let me check through everything again and report back.

Posted on: 11 November 2003 by silklee

James,
I have been putting to good use the skills I picked up from "Jong-Satan". It isnt THAT tough, just need time and patience......... and a strong back.

Anyway, I have re-leveled the mana. The plinth of the lp12 is level on all four sides, but the inner and outer platter is out.

Posted on: 11 November 2003 by silklee

A pic.