(I should also state the disclaimer that I don’t necessarily subscribe to any particular person’s views on the LP12 but accept that they have their own opinion) Since then he seems have fully-formed an opinion but quantifying the LP12 sound can be an elusive process. According to his own reports, he had one for a short time, got rid of it, then later purchased another because (I’m guessing) he wasn’t quite sure what he was missing but was probably convinced at the time he was missing something! :D For those of a more puritanical mindset, the Linn is not technically or dynamically correct but it isn’t something many would find objectionable, even if they were aware, and it’s unique sound can make most recordings exceptionally entertaining. Low level detail is similarly vivid and accentuated in a way that doesn’t happen with those other tables. The Linn has an ability to vividly render the music. Bottom line is that if you had been an LP12 user for decades you would find the sound of those tables unrewarding and unsatisfactory (and, dare I say, almost boring ^). The sound is distinctly different from more “neutral” sounding T/Ts such as the Clearaudio & VPI ranges and those of similar design. Idiosyncracies aside, IMO, it is a very musical turntable.
Like many I formerly owned a 1980s Valhalla-ed LP12. Not that you are neglected or (on the other side of the record) that you feel under pressure.I cannot comment on the current base level LP12 but I can describe "used" versions of it (and if you are interested, comparisons between the ultimate maxxed-out Linn LP12 vs other top-level turntables) Customers become part of the event pointing you in a certain direction or extending a welcome while you wait. In fact their enthusiasm, knowledge and dedication are contagious. Meanwhile, the boss of the shop went out to fetch me a coffee.Įveryone at Soundstage is like that. An experience beyond expectation can only have been facilitated by a skilled and dedicated craftsman behind the scenes - a turntable Surgeon who sat with me beforehand to discuss the forthcoming operation in tones of reassurance and with practical answers to every question. It doesn’t sound 40 years old now… my ears tell me it was built today: and it shines in every way. Somehow, there is also room for the hardware, including my own vintage Linn Sondek connected to serious components for demonstration after restoration. it doesn’t look out of place: and these are accommodating hosts. And it is accessible being within a short walk of Cockfosters underground station or, in my case, the occasional car journey from home with parking spaces alongside or, better still, permission to rest a bike on their wood laminate floor. It may be modest in size but it caters for the grandest ambition. This re-discovered jewel in Heddon Court Parade is more conspicuous of late with a slightly louder shop front and an enticing display of equipment within. The origins of this practice have been relayed in a number of ways during Linn’s history.
Linn have a number of trademarks for their products, many of which have the characteristic “k” in place of a hard “c”. This has become the focus of the company’s strategy leading to audio systems to support digital music playback of 24bit/192 kHz studio master quality recordings using a digital stream over a home network. With its iconic success, Linn named their flagship CD player the Sondek CD12.įrom 2007 Linn was one of the first audio manufacturers to introduce digital music streaming using the home network and internet. Hi-Fi Choice reviewers voted the LP12 “the most important hi-fi component ever sold in the UK” and The Absolute Sound ranked it the second most significant turntable of all time in 2011. Founded by Ivor Tiefenbrun in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1973, the company is best known as the manufacturer of the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable. Linn Products is an engineering company that manufactures hi-fi and audio equipment. Versions also available for Rega, SME & Naim tonearms.Compatible with Linn Ekos SE, Ekos, Akito, and Ittok tonearms.This is then bonded to the sub-chassis so that the assembly mirrors the valuable properties of a single piece as the arm collar is bolted directly to the sub-chassis, the arm has a direct connection to the bearing. The Kore armboard is precisely machined from solid aluminium and further strengthened with ribs on the underside to provide the ultimate rigidity. Three layers are bonded together using a unique Linn-specified adhesive to form an incredibly stiff structure, while keeping the weight low. Strengthened by a multi-layer, box construction of 1.5mm thick aluminium, the Linn Kore sub-chassis is designed for extra rigidity and removal of unwanted damping, ensuring a more faithful reproduction of your vinyl.