best upgrade for 'standard' LP12

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.

Philjolet,

The Cirkus upgrade isn't really cost effective if your current bearing is in good shape. While I liked it, I could have benefitted more by spending the money on something else. Just my two cents. The Tramploin is definitly a lateral move. I may remove the bottom board and try the 3M as a replacement for the feet myself. Thanks.

Patrick

I've been thinking of upgrading my Linn too. My research on the internet (mostly vinyl asylum) has led me to the following upgrade path:

1. Change arm and cartridge to Origin Live 250 (check their website on why the 250 is the best arm to modify) and Shelter 501 Mk.II (TWL's recommendation) or high output Dynavector without a step-up. About $1,000.00

2. Cetech subchassis and armboard (www.cetech.co.uk). About $300.00

3. Origin Live motor and power supply. About $500.00

Unfortunately, these mods require dismantling the Linn, but I do not think that you will get the same level of improvement with external isolation devices. Also, I would not spend a lot more on the last two modifications, otherwise I would simply get a new turntable (VPI Aries, Teres, Origin Live, etc.)

Ultrakaz,
I respectfully disagree. I did the LP12 upgrade path starting with Lingo (my LP12 already had Cirkus) and then arm. The power supply (Lingo or Naim or Origin Live) are HUGE improvements and should be considered first. The Lingo upgrade is expensive, but not as expensive as buying a new table. And when you're done, the LP12/Lingo combo is a much better turntable than the VPI Aries, Teres or Origin Live entry level models.

I think the best money you could spend would be to ditch the Grado and pick up a Dynavector cartridge. It will seem to do almost everything a Lingo will do - although the Lingo or Armageddon are definitely worthy upgrades - for a lot less money. The Grado adds to the LP-12 "bloom" in the midbass, and a Dynavector will tighten it up A LOT - and increase detail & dynamics in the top end as well. A DV-10X4 MKII or, if you can swing it a DV-20XH, will improve your system the most, for not a ton of money. Make sure you buy the cartridge from someone who knows how to install it - there's no faster way to ruin a good Linn than just slapping a cartridge in the arm and thinking it will work perfectly. There IS a skill to cartridge installation - so seek out a qualified dealer - please!
Best of luck,
Ed