Need a Basic Education on the LP12

I agree that the Linn can be bettered, but it is still quite a nice table that would be satisfactory for many listeners. I had one for many years, and liked it alot.

Regarding the differences, one easy way to check is to look at the power switch. If it is a large square RED button, then it is an early model, either standard or Nirvana upgrade. If the power switch is a square black button with a small red LED indicator light, then it is a Valhalla power supply model. All of these use the same bearing. There are only differences in springs between the original and Nirvana models. The Valhalla has all Nirvana upgrades as well as the Valhalla power supply. When the later upgrades became available, they changed the main bearing and subchassis with the Cirkus upgrade. The Trampolin was just an add on suspension modification that had a second set of springs and a platform that went on the bottom. The Lingo is an outboard add-on power supply. Most of the upgrades are controversial, but the Valhalla units are probably the best for the least money. The Trampolin is probably the least respected upgrade, and is likely not worth doing. In any event, a Valhalla LP12 is a good table that will serve you well. Be advised that most Valhalla tables are now getting old, and the Valhalla power supplies are showing higher failure rates. If speed control is not good, the Valhalla unit is likely bad. This is not expensive, nor difficult to replace.
Many people could be happy for life with a table of this sound quality. Not the very best, but quite competent in performance.

Upgrades in order of importance, weighted by cost, in my opinion: Lingo power supply, Ittok or Akito arm (Ekos too expensive), Linto phono preamp, Klyde or used Arkiv cartridge(Akiva too expensive, and Arkiv rebuilds at the factory are a good deal), Circus bearing, and a good setup. One thing that's nice about the LP12 is that you can build the table up over time from pretty good to killer. My next upgrade will be the new(er) silver tonearm cable, then a Linto, and I'm done, probably forever.

Go here for a real education:

http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/4133/lp12_faq.txt

Whknopp -

If nothing else, one thing I've learned from Audiogon is never to say, "I'm done, probably forever."

;)

I did take a look at the geocities link... My serial number is 57295 and it has the Valhalla power supply. I'm still confused on the bearings but I am assuming I do not have the Cirkus upgrade. The arm is the Basik LV X and the cartridge is yellow so I assume it is some variant of the Basik as well.

Is the Akito arm any better than the Basik? I was assuming that one would have to upgrade to the Ittok to find a real difference.. In terms of cartidges, I am lost, however. I was thinking of the Blue Point special becuase it can be used with a MM phono stage, but really can't say I know anything about turntables, period...

Rockinroni, I would probably agree with you about purchasing a modern table, except that I have the Linn already. By the silver arm, do you mean the Ittok? Why do you recommend the Shelter cartridge?

Also, am I correct in assuming that a cartridge is something you do not buy used (because they wear out?)

How much of a difference does the phono stage make in comparison with the table itself and the rest of the system?