linn sondek tt

I own a couple and I know folks who have bought LP12s in the last year. 

Linn, as a company, has taken a different direction and has embraced streaming, they no longer make a preamp, or phono preamp, that does not digitize analog signals. But there will always be support for the best selling turntable in history. A stone cold bargain, IMHO, at today’s used prices, and a true classic.

The OP didn’t ask what the darned thing sounds like, or if the sound is competitive. He asked if anyone still bought them, and why Linn dealers are going extinct, but in true Audiogon fashion most posters answer the question that they imagine in their minds, not the one that was actually asked.

Yup, $224,000 (without tonearm) for a Basis Work Of Art or a few grand for a Linn Magic. Need to think about that one a while Tonto.

Perhaps you mean that, to you, there is no comparison. Or are you judge and jury for the rest of us? Proclimations and absolutes do make good headlines and sound bites however.

I had a Basis 2001 and it was not to my taste, regardless of comparisons. I would prefer a Rega RP6, and have heard their higher spread at dealers as well. Notice, Lone Ranger, I said “ to my taste”.

"Technics makes more turntables in a day than Linn makes in a year." And no doubt, Ford makes more cars in a day than Ferrari makes in a year. So what?

Its a shame that tz can't get to hear a new Linn. But the paucity of dealers able to demonstrate turntables is a problem for the whole hobby and more global than specific to one marque. 

And I kind of agree that a fully loaded new LP12 might not be the best value for money. But a quick perusal of the used market indicates nice Linns starting at under $1000. These being upgradable as finances allow.

And perhaps the tuning requirement will put them out for some, but there are many fine alternatives on the market that do not require the level of involvement that the LP12 does. And many are superior in various ways.

But the reason the LP12 is still with us in spite of its foibles is because it presents a unique set of strengths, and should those appeal to you, there is very little else that will do.

Tz, glad you have found a table that floats your boat. The Well Tempered is marvelous as well. I enjoy a Well Tempered arm on my SOTA turntable.

Since you have a pre disposition for unipivot arms you might want to give a listen to a Linn with a Naim Aro, or one of the more current unipivots designed for the LP12, the Tiger Paw Javelin or Audio Origami Uniarm.

And what downsides would those be? Not that I have any interest in imaging, it’s all tone for me.