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Linn Audio

Just curious why there’s not a single discussion on Audiogon forum regarding Linn. Linn makes outstanding gears and speakers as well. Especially their DS (digital streamer/DAC) such as the Linn Klimax DS or DSM, Linn Akurate DS or DSM, and Linn Majik DS or DSM. IMO Linn is very innovative and I have always loved their products, especially their digital source components (DS/DSM) and the famous Linn Sondek LP12 turntable with their own accompanying accessories.
Linn makes very musical sounding gears. Even their speakers are pretty awesome too esp when paired with all Linn electronics. Why no luv for Linn?

For my main two-channel setup in my dedicated two-channel room I used to have all Linn Klimax setup and system, from the Klimax DS, LP 12 Klimax version turntable all the way to the Linn Klimax 350 passive floorstanding speakers. But mine was a non-Exakt system. I used to be a Linnie. 

I also like the fact that all Linn gears (electronics) are compact and do not take much space, especially Linn Klimax gears. You will even have less components if you go with Linn Exakt system/setup.
caphill
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bdp24
4,908 posts
 

casaross, your post raises and interesting subject. Not just the Sondek, but other products from other companies are introduced in their original forms and at original prices, and establish their price-to-performance niche in the marketplace. Over the years improvements, upgrades, and options for those products are introduced which, if fully implemented, completely change their-price-to-performance ratio, sometimes improving that ratio, but more commonly the opposite.

With those implementations, the product is now priced comparably with other products whose basic design may be superior to the owners product, offering better performance/sound for the same price. An owner of one of the original pieces may have not just an economic investment in that piece, but also an emotional one, and may be unable to dispassionately evaluate the wisdom of dumping a considerable amount of money into the piece instead of changing course.

The Sondek retailed for $300 when I discovered it in ’74, about the same price as the Thorens TD-125 Mk.2, and offering superior performance/sound. Over the years Linn offered many, many improvements, upgrades, and options for the Sondek, as did VPI for their HW-19 and TNT tables. IMO, VPI improved it’s price-to-performance ratio, Linn the opposite.

sifter
35 posts
 
Loved my old Kan IIs, like my current Tukans a lot. But that's about  as far as I drink the Koolaid.
rambr02000
2 posts
 
Polarizing LP12 kind of took the thread over didn't it, lol.  I also noted that the "Linn attitude" was a turn off.  A few other Brit-based manufacturers were mentioned as not being discussed much here (in the US I'm assuming).
What about the quality of the equipment? (Output sound, build quality and on and on).
The Linn dealer near to where I reside (and I'm talking "back in the day (80's-90's)" was nothing but enthusiastic about Linn (bang for the buck type of quality) but never conveyed the illusion of Linn being the be all-end all of high end audio equipment; in fact, they would happily demo other equipment that was considered (and sounded) better...but also cost a good deal more too! That's my experience (for what it's worth).
mapman's avatar
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mapman
15,679 posts
 
LP12 had been the defacto high end that many record lovers willing to pay more for something better coveted for many years and the benchmark for other later high end products to match or exceed.


I’ve had my Linn Axis since 1986 and still loving it. The next oldest piece in my main system is a good 20+ years younger.

I see other Linn gear come up for sale here that would appear to offer very good value since not talked about much at all here these days.    Maybe we buyers should keep it that way.
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gawdbless
1,165 posts
 
A new LP12 with majik arm is about $3800 in the US.
There is an LP12 with Ittok (ancient) arm and Grado cartridge for sale on here for $2999, so they do hold their value it would appear. Then again does it makes sense to buy an really old turntable that is basically stock when you can get a new one for only $800 more that is also more up to date? hmmmm. For me I would be happy with a Rega 6.
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