DIY LP12 Servicing.

Posted by: Dreadatthecontrols on 05 May 2017

I am very interested to hear comments and experiences from LP12 users who do their own servicing/upgrading.

Having searched the forum I have seen the usual comments from users happy to go along with the conventional wisdom/propaganda that only certain Linn gurus know how to properly tune an LP12 but very little from anyone who has actually tried DIY.

With set up jigs, T Bar, Kinky tools etc now becoming more easily available on auction sites I am wondering how, (if suitably equipped wth the correct tools) difficult it really is to carry out servicing etc?

I think a lot of the old voodoo claims about only certain Gurus being able to make an LP12 sing was down to the fact that the tooling was not then often available to mere mortals.

So comments please, pros and cons, from users who actually do carry out their own servicing/upgrade work.

Posted on: 16 May 2017 by Dreadatthecontrols

I have what appears to be a very slight up and down movement with my LP12 platter when viewed in relation to the top plate. Its very slight, I have measured it by placing a rule on the top plate alongside the patters outer edge and its about 1mm. There is no corresponding movement in the armboard ad far as I can tell.

My dealer always told me not to be concerned about it but now I am less inclined to take his word for it. Is this normal and if not what could be the cause and remedy?

 

Posted on: 16 May 2017 by Christopher_M

Try flatter platter.

Posted on: 17 May 2017 by Cymbiosis
Dreadatthecontrols posted:

I have what appears to be a very slight up and down movement with my LP12 platter when viewed in relation to the top plate. Its very slight, I have measured it by placing a rule on the top plate alongside the patters outer edge and its about 1mm. There is no corresponding movement in the armboard ad far as I can tell.

My dealer always told me not to be concerned about it but now I am less inclined to take his word for it. Is this normal and if not what could be the cause and remedy?

 

Sadly it sounds like the platter has been dropped at some time in it's history and hence has a small warp.

I would expect this kind of platter distortion to send it out of balance and hence I would expect to see up and down movement of the arm board assuming the suspension is nice and free moving.

Suggest a new outer platter is worth investigating/trying to see if this resolves the issue along with a suspension check/adjustment if required.


KR

Peter

Posted on: 17 May 2017 by Dreadatthecontrols

Thanks Peter,

I cant see any movement at the armboard, so could something other than a warped platter be the cause?

Will a slight warp of the platter have a significant impact on SQ and Is it ok to fit a new outer platter on the existing inner platter?

Sorry for the questions, I am grateful for your answers.

Posted on: 17 May 2017 by fatcat

Richard

My manticore mantra had what appeared to be a warped platter, although it would be near impossible to warp a glass platter. I noticed it when I used the platter to reflect an LED lamp onto the Perspex cover. If I remember correctly the reflection had a slight circular motion with distinct cyclic bump. The really strange thing was, the cyclic bump didn’t appear at every rotation, but every other rotation. I even video recorded it just to double check.

The above phenomenon happened when the platter was setup level and it sounded awful. (see previous posts). It’s now set up with the arm side of the platter high, the reflection is rock solid and it sounds superb.

You could try reflecting off the LP12 platter, (as close to the edge as possible), if it’s shiny enough. If not place a record on the platter, although it will not be as accurate, as the record may be warped. If you find the low spot on the platter, mark it, rotate 180 deg and see if it’s still low at the same spot.

Also, lightly tap the plinth and platter and plinth in various places while observing the reflection, it will give you an idea how the suspension is performing.

How does the turntable sound at the moment, awful, OK or superb.