LP12 Recommendation

I cannot tell where you are based from your profile, but if you're anywhere in the UK I'd recommend you speak with Peter Swain at Cymbiosis. Peter is widely recognised as an expert in all things LP12 (if not the expert). He also takes many items in part exchange as customers pursue an upgrade route, so could probably build you a super LP12 to suit your budget and, if you incorporated some preowned components, you'd certainly end up with a much higher spec machine than if you were to buy all new. Several people on this forum take their LP12 to Cymbiosis, me included. 

Linn's need proper setup, so factor that into your costs.  I would suggest getting even a second hand one from your local Linn Dealer.   Where do you live?  If near Leicester, then the dealer choice is a bit of a no-brainer, as suggested above!

LP12 would be a good choice - that budget may get you and Akurate specs.

An alternative if I may suggest: have a look at Rega RP10 with a factory fitted cartridge. You may be able to buy it new. And it's is a genuine rival for the LP12 in good specs.

Why do you want an LP12?

Personally I prefer What You See and Hear in Beaconsfield - also a Naim dealer and my LP12 fettler of choice.

CJ

Do not paddle in the murky waters of 'The Bay' and suchlike. You might just pick up a turkey which appears to be a bargain.

As others have suggested; consult a reputable dealer of The Skottish Gramophone and give them your custom. Competent set-up is all.

Good luck.

John.

...or if near Brighton, Julian Chapman and his merry men at Audio-t. 

It’s a good idea to put one’s rough location in one’s profile. Then people can recommend appropriate dealers. I’d certainly agree that an LP12’s performance is highly dependent on the setup, and for this reason a good dealer is hugely important. The Rega RP10 is a fine alternative, and is much more plug and play. 

If you are in the South, I recommend Phil at Winchester Hi-fi. His colleague Andy will take you through what the various options that are on the recognised upgrade path. Phil will build the deck for you. Then Andy takes the money.

As Clive says, a good used deck can be a great starting place and give terrific vfm, rather than buying all new. Enjoy the LP12 ride.

Music Man posted:

I have a NAC82, twin Olive HiCaps and a NAP250 - all of which are in need of a service.  

CD player is CDX2 with an XPS DR and beautiful walnut SBL speakers with the upgraded woofers and tweeters.  The SBLs and XPS are new additions and have really transformed the sound from my previous EPOS11s.

I now feel the need for an LP12 in my life as my 25-year old SystemDek IIX with the Rega250 arm and Ortofon Bronze are not doing it for me anymore.  My budget is £4k & I'm happy to buy second-hand.  What spec should I be considering?  I listen to a genuinely wide range of music from jazz, opera, classics, pop and house...

I'd really appreciate thoughts & suggestions.

May I suggest a slight different route ?

Sell on the Hicaps, get a SC and/or replace the 82 with 52

Look at the new Planar 6/Ania, its way below budget but I simply know nothing about nowadays thousands LP12 levels, its just a pity if your not satisfied after putting silly money out

Thanks very much folks. I live in North East London so can make the trip to Cymbiosis relatively easily. I certainly won’t be buying from “The Bay” or similar. 

Appreciate your thoughts to date. Having heard a mate’s LP12, I’m smitten by the sound. 

I live in London and have owned my LP12 for about twenty years and had it serviced many times and in many places over that time... but I have found the trip to Leicester worth it...

My feeling is that where you buy is probably more important than what.

There is a growing band of Sondek owners suggesting that a Majik LP12 with Radikal is better than an Akurate LP12. In your position that is what I would dem first. I am sure Cymbiosis can do this for you if you give good notice.

 Happy choosing!

Stu

+1 for What You See And Hear In Beaconsfield and Colin Macey. And a bit handier for NE London. 

You could battle your way across London to Infidelity at Kingston-on-Thames and Derek Jenkins. Another guy who knows LP12s inside out.  He has upgraded mine so many times the only bits are the platters and bearing, oh and the mat, which are original.

The difference between a proper set up deck and just "screwing it together" is vast.

I had him fit a Stiletto plinth on my last visit. An ear and eye opener.

Surely Ray at Grahams in North London is your obvious choice?

Indeed. My LP12 still has a sticker from Graham’s when they were still based in Pentonville Road, Islington, and purchased in 1983. 

Both still going strong.

Yep, Ray put my LP12/Lingo/Aro together, installed it at home and serviced it over the years. Very reliable.

Hi, another vote for saving yourself a long trip to Leicester and popping over to see Colin at WYSAH.  Having had my LP12 fettled/upgraded by both

Tony2011 posted:

Indeed. My LP12 still has a sticker from Graham’s when they were still based in Pentonville Road, Islington, and purchased in 1983. 

Both still going strong.

I can remember going to Grahams (1986 ish) to hear a demo of Naim's first speaker.  Full LP12/Troika/Naim 6 pack etc.  About 10 minutes some wag announced that the whole thing was compromised by the LP12 and it was time everyone recognised that the Roksan Xerxes should now be the turntable of choice.  I promise it wasn't me as I hadn't heard a Roksie - at that stage - but you could have heard a pin drop!!!!