Wall mounting a Linn LP12

I believe the Tiger-Paw Vulcan is all the rage at the moment. If you want something that looks a bit less industrial, Hi-Fi Racks would make you one, but I can't comment on their performance.

Hi Rob

I would reccommend the Tiger Paw Vulkan which is quite recent so is available to buy new unlike some other recommendations like Audiotech and Mana.

Ian  

I've been using an Isoblue Wallshelf to good effect.  More like furniture.

Unfortunately, aesthetics are important. I don’t think a black steel frame wall shelf will be approved by my wife. So, it looks like I’ll rule out the Tiger Paw VulKan.

From an aesthetic point of view, it looks like I have two options:

1. Hi-fi Racks Podium Platform; or 

2. Quadraspire bamboo bracket with SVT shelf.

Does anyone have experience of either of these two shelves? How easy are they to be levelled?

I have contacted Tiger Paw regarding just a Vulkan board and have had sporadic responses. Hope you have more luck.

Pro-Ject Wallmount i1 is good enough and is cheap also. The Pro-Ject Essental II sounds better on it compare to Fraimlite. 

Had mine om a Target for years, since moving to new house (and new wife   the LP 12 sits on top of my main rack and the wall shelf is stored in the attic.

As my LP12 is rarely used, I live with it being a little sensitive to movements/walking around close by. Not really a problem. But surely, a wall shelf is recommended. Target is not expensive and it works. No idea if it’s still on the market. 

Claus 

I have (had) exactly the same issues with my LP12 on HFRPR.  However, my LP12 is the Stiletto plinth which is solid aluminium and weighs about double of standard LP12.  I have plasterboard walls so therefore I needed a wall shelf where mountings were vertically "deep" to take the rotational moment due to the (i) weight of shelf  (ii) HFR isolation platform  (iii) glass shelf on top  (iv) Skorpion LP12 base (solid aluminium) and the LP12 Stiletto.  I therefore went for the HFRPR wall shelf.  Mounting requires a strong fixing and your masonary backing is ideal.  If you opt for HFRPR do use up all 8 fixings to be sure.  I devised a bespoke fixing involving mounting plates x4 and 90mm M6 bolts into cavity wall fixings.  Very happy with result though the HFRPR looks a bit chunky (it does support up to 80kg).

As far as levelling goes, suggest you get the isolation platform as this has adjustable spikes.  Fixing the shelf is a bit fiddly and needs patience over the lightweight steel shelves.  I hear from a reputable LP12 specialist that the Quadraspire bamboo is also very good but get the most sturdy version (with bamboo backplate).

ayisgroovy posted:

I have (had) exactly the same issues with my LP12 on HFRPR.  However, my LP12 is the Stiletto plinth which is solid aluminium and weighs about double of standard LP12.  I have plasterboard walls so therefore I needed a wall shelf where mountings were vertically "deep" to take the rotational moment due to the (i) weight of shelf  (ii) HFR isolation platform  (iii) glass shelf on top  (iv) Skorpion LP12 base (solid aluminium) and the LP12 Stiletto.  I therefore went for the HFRPR wall shelf.  Mounting requires a strong fixing and your masonary backing is ideal.  If you opt for HFRPR do use up all 8 fixings to be sure.  I devised a bespoke fixing involving mounting plates x4 and 90mm M6 bolts into cavity wall fixings.  Very happy with result though the HFRPR looks a bit chunky (it does support up to 80kg).

As far as levelling goes, suggest you get the isolation platform as this has adjustable spikes.  Fixing the shelf is a bit fiddly and needs patience over the lightweight steel shelves.  I hear from a reputable LP12 specialist that the Quadraspire bamboo is also very good but get the most sturdy version (with bamboo backplate).

 

Thanks for that. Although I have the HFRPR rack I like the looks of the Quadraspire wall mount.

My LP12 has the afromosia fluted plinth and no after-market subchassis, top plates etc.

WAF and cost are probably more important than improving sound quality.

If I go for the HFRPR, I would automatically be getting the isolation plinth as I have them on every level of the rack that supports my system.

Have you got the standard 500x450mm shelf? Also, is the HFRPR supplied with wall fixings?

Another vote for the vulkan ...it's a well thought out shelf that looks good in place ( yes ... really) and will improve the sound of your LP 12

I went from the top shelf of my fraim to the vulkan and it made a good upgrade...for not much money

Japtimscarlet posted:

Another vote for the vulkan ...it's a well thought out shelf that looks good in place ( yes ... really) and will improve the sound of your LP 12

I went from the top shelf of my fraim to the vulkan and it made a good upgrade...for not much money

I'm sure it is the best one for sound quality. But unfortunately, my wife hates black tubular steelwork.

Rob,

Given the restrictions around the look of the wall mount, is there any way of reinforcing the floor under and around the rack to make it less susceptible to foot fall and thus keep the LP12 on the rack ?

James

james n posted:

Rob,

Given the restrictions around the look of the wall mount, is there any way of reinforcing the floor under and around the rack to make it less susceptible to foot fall and thus keep the LP12 on the rack ?

James

 

James,

I'm sure it's possible, but I don't want the upheaval that this will cause as it will mean lifitng up laminate flooring to get to the joists.

I'm sure either Hi-fi Racks Podium Platform or a Quadraspire bamboo bracket with SVT shelf will be fine.

Also, I'm sure either will sound better than supporting my LP12 on the rack, along with my pre-amp, its power supply and power amp.

Ah ok Rob. Hope you get the shelf sorted Ok.

James

I use the Quadraspire with a Michel Gyrodec and I'm very pleased with the result, but no experience with a Linn. Easy to level though.

Second the Quadraspire - I went for the bamboo version which is an excellent match with my other SVT racks. I do have a Tiger Paw on the LP12 but found the rack a little agricultural in looks despite the obvious accolades. There is an LP12 variant of the SVT rack - basically no brass collars on the shelf. I supplemented mine with Naim glass, cups and balls although Alister at Quadraspire thinks the shelf sounds better without glass - each to his own. Very well made too.

I have to say that although I heard a demo (twice) that showed that the bamboo Quadraspire wall shelf was better that the normal one but I disliked the look with a vengeance. My b in l bought one as it did seem to improve an LP12 but of course I didn't and bought a normal metal one. I think my oak finish one is superb looking and having owned three shelves previously I am quite experienced with them and it is by far the best I have ever had. I too am no fan of glass and once I realised the damage it does I removed immediately so I would no doubt agree with Alister. 

My turntable sits on the basic Quadraspire wall shelf, as shown below:

The shelf is fixed to the wall via 6 Fischer bolts.  They were tricky to drill and fit the first time, as there are 6 hols to drill & align very precisely with a wandering masonry drill bit.  However, once done, it works well.  The TT shelf is then readily levelled with the adjustable Quadraspire shelf feet that point down into the horizontal round bars.  Colour of the shelf and bars can be changed as required.  Quadraspire also do an upmarket version that uses wooden arms instead of the round steel bars.

Is it as "good" as a Tiger Paw bespoke wall shelf?  I doubt it, but it is definitely better than sitting on top of a floor standing rack.

Hope this helps, FT

Thanks everyone for your help.

I have decided to proceed with the Hi-fi Racks Podium Platform as it will match my rack. Also, my wife preferred it.

Anyway, I have requested my dealer to proceed with the order.