best upgrade for 'standard' LP12

I like the Linn upgrades (have not OL). If doing the higher cost upgrade to the table I would do the Cirkus bearing ($600) installed. You get the new subchasis and bearing, new center platter, springs and grommetts and the new armboard. Not a bad deal. You a a signigcant improvement in resolution with a lowing of noise (ie the bearing).

I would not waste alot of money upgrading the rb 300 even if 100 or 200.

Cheap upgrade would be a the Extreme phono donut platter matt. You can get it at Music Direct for $22.

Phil, I think all your other stuff is just fine.

I have got very good results from the Heavyweight counterweight, and recommend it highly. I really did not expect alot from just a counterweight change, but it did alot more than I thought. RB300 is a good arm, and is worth upgrading in my opinion.

Trampolin might be ok, and easy.

Vibropods not needed on LP12.

the lingo adds what seems like a whole octave to the low end - big improvement (albeit expensive). I heard 2 lp12s side by side, one with and one without - it was quite a demo!

also, those ringmats (in place of the linn felt mat) make the sound a little tighter for not too much $.

thanks guys

I spoke with a friend of mine who used to work for Linn and he agrees that the ringmats are worth a look, he thought the Trampolin was a sideways step and more of a compromise for when you do not have a proper shelf, that was news to me.

TWL, I read some of your posts about the heavyweight and I think I will go with one of those and make a PC for my table and my friend can install it when he tunes my table next.

Guys listen to this one, my friend told me to take the bottom board and feet off the table and to put little sticky 3M brand squares on the corners instead for about $1.29 I can givve it a try. This guy is way deep into LP12s and I bet it is worth a listen.

BTW my friend concurs with you Rello about the Cirkus and the lowering of the noise floor but I am not going to spend that much yet.

Just bought a Brubeck on Campus LP today in mint shape and it is great for $9, LPs are great

Phil

Forget the Trampolin. I got rid of mine, removed the bottom plate, and balanced the whole thing on Aurios MIB's -A pain to do, but well worth the time. The Lingo (or the Naim Armageddon) make a BIG difference. I thought I saw a used Lingo on Audiogon not too long ago. Worth seeking out.

I am not familiar with the Rega on the Linn, but going to the Ekos from the entry level Linn arm (forget the name-it was 4 years ago) made a huge improvement in the lows and mods. Likewise, moving from a K19 to Klyde improved soundstage and cleaned up the top end. The improvement upon moving to the Arkiv was even bigger.

As for non-Linn upgrades, I sent my table to Extreme Phono for a carbon fiber sub-chassis/armboard and new toneram cables. VERY happy with the results. My LP12 now is still finicky on set-up,but once that is done right it is very neutral, with tight. extended bass, wall to wall soundstaging, clean , airy top..and al the PRAT of the original.

BTW, I have tried the Ringmat and was not thrilled. BEst mat I've found so far is Extreme Phono's doughnut mat. Pretty inexpensive and works grest.