Hi Theo,
Yes, a fully "tricked out" LP12 is quite expensive now-a-days as they have finally come to learn about the changes in sound that can be had by changing the AC motor to DC, upgrading the motor controller and power supply, changing the top plate and sub chassis , etc etc that has been already done well over a couple decades ago by a firm called Pink Triangle in the form of the Pink Link (now known as the Funk Firm) as modifications to many LP12's.
Theo, to answer your question, my current table which I've had since the 1990's is a beautiful Linn LP12 wrapped in a Brazilian Rosewood plinth with the Pink Link modifications which consists of ditching the AC motor for a DC motor. Replacing the top plate, moving the motor to the lower left hand corner about the 7:30ish position so it's more in line with the front of the stylus instead of tugging at it broadside, and a includes a very large and sophisticated motor controller with 12 volt SLA DC Battery Power Supply.
These upgrades are responsible for making the music emerge from an utterly black background, both the micro and macro dynamics are scarily real and the pace and timing of the music greatly enhanced. It is incredible the difference in sound and now after all this time, Linn has finally accepted this and is offering these options in there "fully tricked out" tables although at a significant cost , but it allows the LP12 to compete with the very best.
To round out my table, I am using the Naim ARO tone arm (which in my opinion is the very best "sounding" arm ever made for the LP12 .the music sounds so balanced and natural via that arm along with the Benz Ruby ZH which is brought up to the S-Class specs and is housed in a Zebra Wood body.
I'm not very technically adept with all things computers will try to attach a link to a photograph of my table. I apologize in advance if it does not work.
http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad122/No_regrets1/Reference%20System%20March%202011/P1260162_zps9399e9a3.jpg
http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad122/No_regrets1/P3250336_zps0d583a4a.jpg
Yes, a fully "tricked out" LP12 is quite expensive now-a-days as they have finally come to learn about the changes in sound that can be had by changing the AC motor to DC, upgrading the motor controller and power supply, changing the top plate and sub chassis , etc etc that has been already done well over a couple decades ago by a firm called Pink Triangle in the form of the Pink Link (now known as the Funk Firm) as modifications to many LP12's.
Theo, to answer your question, my current table which I've had since the 1990's is a beautiful Linn LP12 wrapped in a Brazilian Rosewood plinth with the Pink Link modifications which consists of ditching the AC motor for a DC motor. Replacing the top plate, moving the motor to the lower left hand corner about the 7:30ish position so it's more in line with the front of the stylus instead of tugging at it broadside, and a includes a very large and sophisticated motor controller with 12 volt SLA DC Battery Power Supply.
These upgrades are responsible for making the music emerge from an utterly black background, both the micro and macro dynamics are scarily real and the pace and timing of the music greatly enhanced. It is incredible the difference in sound and now after all this time, Linn has finally accepted this and is offering these options in there "fully tricked out" tables although at a significant cost , but it allows the LP12 to compete with the very best.
To round out my table, I am using the Naim ARO tone arm (which in my opinion is the very best "sounding" arm ever made for the LP12 .the music sounds so balanced and natural via that arm along with the Benz Ruby ZH which is brought up to the S-Class specs and is housed in a Zebra Wood body.
I'm not very technically adept with all things computers will try to attach a link to a photograph of my table. I apologize in advance if it does not work.
http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad122/No_regrets1/Reference%20System%20March%202011/P1260162_zps9399e9a3.jpg
http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad122/No_regrets1/P3250336_zps0d583a4a.jpg