Is the "standard" Linn Sondek LP-12 surpassed by newer turntable brands and designs??

Dear Jim,

It is a popular and understandable misconception that the Linn is a "tweaker's dream". The fact is that once you have settled on a basis (such as the Valhalla, perhaps with the glued rather than spot-welded sub-chassis) then no further alterations are required.

"Setup" means exactly what it says : once the turntable is properly established in your listening room no further action is necessary.

In this regard the LP12 could actually be less troublesome than most others. For example, main bearing lubrication does not require service. It is a once in a lifetime exercise (only in the unlikely event that the previous owner spilled the contents of the Bearing Well in transit!). Many other turntables require you to re-lube every year - which I find a PITA by comparison.

The Linn's mechanical parts are unburstable and will last for as long as you want to keep the turntable.

Although I appreciate the enthusiasm for old Garrards, rim drive never held any appeal for me, perhaps from my tape-enthusiast standpoint ;^)

If you wish to fully experience the depth of feeling for the LP12 you should take a trip over to PFM and you'll get vastly more information there.

To Moonglum Thank you for the  additional information  However, I still think the LP-12 is a tweaker's  table. I worked in the audio business from 1976 through 1991. My last tenure in a middle to high end store, that offered such fare as Yamaha,  Nakamichi,  McIntosh, Dalhquist, KEF, etc.  Even though, the shop did not sell Linn products, occasionally. a high-end tire kicker would find his way into the store, and drone on about how great his audio system, and that he owned a Linn LP-12. Without missing a beat, he exalted in how he had slaved over the set-up of the table, and the importance of ancillaries  to get the best from the table. His monologue was also aimed to denigrate the equipment sold by our shop.  I must have encountered at least 10 such non-customers with almost the same rap.  

Therefore based on some of the point you made in your first e-mail and my own experience with LP -12"cultist,  I believe that a used LP-12 potentially offers more risk than an other brand's new table.  However, I respect your comments, and  knowledge of the LP-12 history.   Good Luck    (BTW,  who or what is PFM)

To noromance,   That is a great looking system you have put together.

I am not an essentialist but would like to use this metaphor for

the Linn parts. The best part from the start was the platter. Among

the many improvements I think that the new bearing (the old one

was leaking) with the subshassis and new springs are all that you

need in order to get the best value for your money.

Interesting Nandric. It's not an occurrence I've ever heard of but consulting the web shows it has happened. It's important to note that the oil in these cases isn't emanating from the bottom of the well but coming from the top. My guess is that the bearing's either been overfilled or tilted in transit causing a spillage at the top of the bearing collar. Putting less in should cure it.

Unfortunately, in this regard, a popular technique was to deliberately overfill then let the bearing's descent push excess oil out onto the top plate, then remove the bearing briefly to wipe off the excess.

Messy. ;^)