2. analog
  3. 119771-74915

Upgrade Linn LP 12 or buy new table

I would like to get back into vinyl after an approx. 17 year absence. I have a Linn LP 12 that I bought in 1983 which I used for 15 years and then put into storage. I never got rid of my vinyl. So my question is : Do I upgrade my LP 12 to the tune of three to four thousand dollars or do I spend the same amount on a new turntable and sell the LP 12?  Everyone's two cents worth would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks
hal253
ddrave44
35 posts
 

I agree with BRF/lewm to get it tuned up first and listen for a while. It's a nice table.

You might also want to consider the Kore subchassis upgrade right up front. That's about $1,200. Just did that on my 15 year old LP12 and the difference is extreme. It tightened the sound up, better detail, cleaner and more extended bass (no idea why/how the bass got more extended but it did.) Like a new table IMO.

I'm using an Akiva cart, the first generation of Ekos arm and first gen Lingo power supply.

Enjoy!

daveyf's avatar
daveyf
1,174 posts
 
Hal253, I have heard most of the SOTA's in their line. They are a good table and would be an excellent choice, IF you didn't already have a platform that is as great as it is. 
I think a top flite Linn Klimax SE can still out point all of the SOTA's. 
One plus for the SOTA line, they can accommodate a much wider variety of tonearm..but that would be my only point in their favor.
zavato's avatar
zavato
903 posts
 
I did a Kore in 2015. Way good move. Everything was better, no trade offs. 

2016 is likely the year for a new cartridge. I have an Arkiv B. Long in the tooth. My first inclination was the Kandid and now I see there's a new cartridge, the Krystal, at less that 1/2 the Kandid's price. I'm not changing my tonearm (Ekos II). I have a very late type 1 lingo which means it's got the board that went into all the type 2 lingo units. 

zavato's avatar
zavato
903 posts
 
I did a Kore in 2015. Way good move. Everything was better, no trade offs. 

2016 is likely the year for a new cartridge. I have an Arkiv B. Long in the tooth. My first inclination was the Kandid and now I see there's a new cartridge, the Krystal, at less that 1/2 the Kandid's price. I'm not changing my tonearm (Ekos II). I have a very late type 1 lingo which means it's got the board that went into all the type 2 lingo units. 

daveyf's avatar
daveyf
1,174 posts
 
zavato, I would suggest a move up to the Radikal D. That is the preferred Linn route as to upgrades...and before a cartridge upgrade. Personally, I think the Radikal D is a superb upgrade and does transform the table. As to a new cart, I am in the same position as you...my Benz is now long in the tooth. There are some pretty good cartridge choices out there...the two Linn cartridges are definitely contenders...but there are others also. I suspect that a replacement for the older Lyra Skala is in the works....might be worth waiting for that and therefore doing the Radikal D first.
More to discover