best upgrade for 'standard' LP12

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

By far;the best upgrade for a stock Linn is the AC cord ...
you will be good for longtime before next move.It's dramatic