Linn LP12 ..still a good table??

I just bought on with the same arm last summer. It is still a good table, the new ones fully equipped are still competitive with everything short of the megadollar ones. The older ones will outperform most contemporary tables but we each have our own taste. I sell VPI because I think that they are good and a very good value but at $1500 used there is a wide choice of tables that if set up well can give very good performance. If you get the Linn get the new mat, thin and black as opposed to thicker and gray, improves performance considerably for $25.

If you get the Linn as is it is and it is good shape, you basically can bring it up to the latest standards one step at a time. The LP12 is a good foundation for a table that can be upgraded and rebuilt as many times as you want. I have considered selling mine but I like the sound and I know that I can always keep it maintained and upgraded as my budget permits. Stanwal is right get the black mat. And with the new Ekos SE arm you can probably find the standard Ekos arm readily available used. At the 1500 dollar price point you will get a 1500 dollar table. The LP12 really can't be compared in value as it's worth is dependant on what upgrades have been done. A new LP12 sells for about 3000 and no arm.

I agree. I have owned my Linn since 1977. I had the table upgraded a few years ago with new mat, Lingo supply (well worth it), new belt, springs, and trampolin base. As many threads have said before, set-up is critical. This is why it is important to see that the springs and rubber grommets are in good shape, as the suspension can sag after a few decades. Also, the Linn is sensitive to footfalls on wooded floors. I recommend a wall-mount shelf, such as made be Target. Do all this and you will have a very good table.

Yes- if you have an expert available to set it up for you. Which is not cheap, BTW.

Welcome back!!!
Your question really depends on how high the standard you set...I understand a lot of people will say: add this and that in order to unleash LP12's potentials. I would rather put it this way...if a TT has to be tweaked to perform its best, does it mean the basic configurations are not good enough? Is it worth to spend that much for a fully modded TT? Is there any alternatives for the same costs?

Another question is: are you familiar with TTs with this kind of "springy" suspensions? IMHO, LP12 is NOT for someone who looks for "set and forget". In fact, an LP12 requires certain experience on fine-tuning its "sound"(and it really has its sonic signature!). So your relevant experience is another key! Or you have do some research on this issue.

If this used LP12 doesn't cost you much, and still has its re-sale value, your buying action seems to be justified. However, we are audiophiles, we are always tempted to "tweak this and that" if it doesn't sound "right to our ears", (some may say that's fine if we could have some satisfactions over the process.) buying a used TT may involve hidden repair costs if it really need an overhaul to function normally. In this case, the initial cost may be low but the running costs may be high.

Another factor involving substantial cost is "buying records". I would not suggest you to spend too much on your TT/arm/cart/phono if you are not planning to buy lots of LPs.

Does your budget include cart and phono stage? Or do you have any now?

Good luck
Dan