How do I adjust the speed on my Linn Sondek LP 12?


I took the outer platter off to make a template for a home brew turntable mat (I know that most people would say to use the felt mat but it's an easy way to fuss with VTA and to try new things) and I turned it on to watch where the belt was riding on the inner platter (down low towards the bottom). Anyway, when I put it back together the speed is much to fast. The 'table is an 1984 lp 12 with Vahalla power supply. I bought it used from a Doctor who did not have much time to use it because he moved a lot and was too busy. He "stored" it in the basement for the last 4 years. I've had it for two months and it worked great until yesterday. I have a copy of the set up manual but I wonder if it there is something wrong with the Valhalla that can not be remedied with minor adjustment. If so, does anyone know of a good Linn set up tech. in the Berkley Ca. or greater Bay Area. And finaly, should I consider a Circus up grade while I have it in the shop? I assume it is going to cost me upwards of a $100.00 just to have them check it out and "tune it up". If I go the upgrade ($325 ??)I will essentially get the first $100 of shop time "free" and perhaps have better performance in the end. I paid $675.00 for the table with Ittok LV II and Koetsu Rosewood cartridge with little use. Any feed back or opinions would be helpful. Thank you.
mmiikkee
There aren't any speed adjustments on the LP12. While I believe the Cirkus upgrade is a sonic improvment (I've had it done), I don't feel it is worth the money. I would consider one of the aftermarket power supplies that are offered instead of a new Valhalla since they compete performace-wise with the Lingo for about $350. One thought though is that a number of folks have upgraded to the Lingo and your local dealer may have a good Vahalla for cheap. If that's the case definitely install it yourself. It's easy. You got a screamer buy on the table so I wouldn't feel bad about investing some money in it. Enjoy!
Assuming the motor an dpower supply are OK, the speed CAN be adjusted, but it is a pain in the keister to do. The only way to do it is by shifting the tilt angle on the motor pulley. Thiss is accomplished by loosening/tightening the two adjustment scrws next to the pulley. These screws contact the casing of the motor and by loosening/tightening will tilt the motor (and pulley) for minor speed adjustments. Alittle goes a long way, and you must first loosen one of the set screws before tightening the other in order to avoid deforming the motor casing. You do need something like the KAB strobe to check the speed when doing this..
Thank you for the tips. Today it is working fine. Go figure. I will keep your responses in mind when the time comes to up -grade. I'm still a Linn newbie but I am enjoying it a lot. It replaced a Dual 1248 and the difference is not subtle. I will continue to look here for more advice if anyone else wants to respond. Thanks again.
You got a steal of a deal on that rig. You must get the origin live dc motor kit and power supply replacement. The money invested will get you a lot better performance. This is a major upgrade for the Linn, and considering you are using a Koetsu Rosewood cartridge, you need the best rig you can, to get max performance. Ivor Tiefenbaum the guy who made this turntable says the table is 50% of the ,table arm, cartridge equation, so any improvement there will reap more rewards. Do some research on this. There are reviews on the Web, as well as testimonials from Linn Owners. Good Luck! Let me know when you do this and how it sounds.
Roni
Hi,
I hope someone can help me.
I have a Linn LP 12 turntable and I need help with the belt adjustment. When the turntable is in off position the belt is in the lower pulley. On start up the belt moves into the top proper pulley position. When shut off it drops into the lower position. I understsnd that is opposite. I have tried adusting the screws with no help. This is a old belt. I purchased a new belt and it will ride in the low or upper pulley by adjusting the screws but will not go up or down on start up or shut off.