Great to see Nigel looking fit and well and still working on the Sondeks. It’s 30 years since I was a Saturday boy at the Abbey Street branch. Still got my LP12 that I bought then too
Superb presentation John. There is nothing nicer to look at than a well built turntable and arm. The engineering that has gone onto this is amazing. The tolerances in machining are un believable. These will last for decades if looked after and serviced regularly. Well done John and well done Linn.
Great vlog guys, I bought a Ariston RD80 SL around 1979 after a comparison with the linn, I personally thought it sounded very slightly better, but the linn has stood the test of time, what a fabulous tt.
I enjoy had my LP12 since 1989 & it still works perfectly… bravo Linn. Almost had a heart attack looking at the price of the 50th anniversary version!!! I’m sure it’s a wonderful thing to own but that’s nuts
Friends would tell me I was mad spending out on a Linn Sondek and how it can't make that much difference. I would start a demonstration by taking the platter off because when you put the centre spinal down it takes a long time for it to sink into position. The precision is so high that the air becomes a cushion to the very heavy platter slowing the decent into position. None of my friends would ever consider spending that kind of money and less so at today's prices. Most gave up record collections 25 years ago and have no hi-fi now. I got my first Linn Sondek in 1980 with Ittok and Asak. In 1990 I went to get some of the upgrades on offer. The hi-fi shop would fit all the updates which would take a month or I could collect a brand new Sondek in three days (set up and soak tested). So I part exchanged my old Linn and for the odd £2000 got a new one with Ekos and Troika. 32 years later I return it for a second service (first was just new belt and some TLC, replaced hinge) fitting new bearings, a two speed motor (I know 33 and 45 at the press of a button like on my old Dasette from 1961) and changed the 32 year old cartridge to a Krystal for roughly the same outlay as I spent to buy it in 1990. I could have had more upgrades but had those that were most needed and gave the most improvement. If I still had the 1980 Linn Sondek it too could be updated to the same level, although after 42 years I am not sure what would have been left of the original. For the service and new cartridge cost of over £2000 there are many choices of highly rated new models but they are still not a Linn Sondek. If I were to sell this configuration I might expect to get around £4000 which numerically is every penny I spent out on it over the passed 35 years.
Great story of yours. I have just recently changed my Turntable to a dare I say it, a Rega 50th Anniversary P3 from a Linn Basik with Akito Tonearm from 1993. The Linn still works, but I fancied something new. I have a Hifi Magazine from 94 and there is an article comparing an original LP12 with the latest model. The latest model was much improved, but the original still gave a lot. The dealer I got the Rega from also had a couple of LP12 in the showroom. Having both Linn and Rega as British Manufacturers makes me proud to be British. If I had the funds, a LP12 would be a strong consideration.
1974 linn Export LP12 here. Completely unmodified. Wouldn’t change it! Wish we could find a new smoke tint dust cover though after dropping it chipped the front corner. Honestly had that not happened iy would still look new.
I remember back in the 80’s.. New HiFi Sound magazine. Rather tongue in cheek advice about fitting a fairly expensive cartridge. (Tighten the bolts until it cracks then back off a quarter turn!). Needles to say the next months letter page had only one subject 😂😂
Congratulations !! I have a great Linn Sondek LP12 with Ekos tone arm, Akiva stylus. Beloved Linn gave me a fantastic music for 20 years. I will accpmpany with her forever.. One thing, moving the counter weight to set zero point is very difficult & sticky. It won't against my moving. You'd better change this system to thread type.
My LP-12 was built at the "new" factory in 1988...Still in use today.If I need work on my deck Thomas O'Keefe @ Overture Audio in Ann Arbor Michigan is The BEST
Being nerdy about this sort of thing, I was struck by the old LP12 shown near the end- I thought they came with felt mats even then (I have a similar age LP12 which I remembered as having a felt mat from new) but that one has the rubber mat also used by Rega. Apparently Linn made them, and Rega ground off the Linn name! Certainly the Rega one that I have has a rough patch which looks as if something was ground off so I believe the story.
Nigel mentioned that to me but I didn't get it on camera. It's a more rounded shape on the special edition deck so a new base is very tightly bolted onto the Keel 50 in the factory. There is no difference in performance, just a different design. -John.
@@Peter-Tyson The intriguing bit is that it is bolted at all. On the regular Keel the arm base is all one piece of metal with the arm board/sub-chassis
@TheDjcarlos67 - If no service work has been done since 1989, it might still sound good to you but doesn’t mean it’s working properly. Things to consider: the power supply caps are probably rather shot if it’s the internal Valhalla supply. They *do* likely need to be changed after round 20? years. The springs might be worn…the tonearm could have bearings issues and so on. Stuff wears out as the stylus on your cartridge does. Car analogies can be great for other things. Think of your Linn the same as you would a car. It will still run seemingly fine if 2 of 12 cylinders are dead..it gets fixed and you then and only then notice a difference Linn owner of 20+ years with a few upgrades over the years that made a huge difference.
I would’ve liked to see how a real pro mounted the cartridge on the tonearm, as I have quite an expensive one coming soon and I’m really bad at it. My hands are so big and I’ve been known to destroy cartridges in the past because they’re so small and delicate. I’m actually quite nervous about attempting it this time to be honest.
Nice video thanks. 1 question: many years ago I used to work in a shop that sold these and they said if you touch the platter (inner or outer) it would leave oily finger marks which in time could affect the finish. So we always used a duster when handling them. If this just “flannel” or does the finger prints not affect the finish anymore?
There is a bit of truth in that, there is a lacquer on the platter, if cleaning products are used, that lacquer is at risk of being stripped off. That is when fingerprints will become an issue. As long as no chemicals are used to clean it you'll be fine. - John
The LP12 Keel is machined from a single billet of aluminium. petertyson.co.uk/linn-lp12-keel-sub-chassis-upgrade Here is the Karousel bearing petertyson.co.uk/linn-karousel-bearing There are more links in the description from the video. - John
I've just discovered how expensive ia this version. 50000- 60000 its uber expensive. High end audio today is pure luxury for rich people. And speculation
I believe the shipping would destroy any tuning. So the final mile has to take care of final tuning regardless. So ship for safety, and let assembly happen when the final mile shipping is TLC.
Because there are so many options. You want a walnut plinth? Fine. Ekos arm or Krane? Suits you sir. Cartridge? MM or MC? Power supply can be anything from Basik to the top end. Linn provides the bits. The dealer makes it yours. God, I sound like a salesman. (Which I was).
Too expensive LP12 when I watch all these videos I understand the one I have got 25th anniversary LE for 5.000,00 GBP at that time 1997 was a true bargain
The same spec turntable in non special edition,£25000 less,must be people with more money than sense,and the special has a awful laminated plinth, bloody horrible
Great to see Nigel looking fit and well and still working on the Sondeks. It’s 30 years since I was a Saturday boy at the Abbey Street branch. Still got my LP12 that I bought then too
Superb presentation John. There is nothing nicer to look at than a well built turntable and arm. The engineering that has gone onto this is amazing. The tolerances in machining are un believable. These will last for decades if looked after and serviced regularly. Well done John and well done Linn.
Congratulations to those that can afford the eye watering price, what a stunning piece of hi-fi love it in white
Great vlog guys, I bought a Ariston RD80 SL around 1979 after a comparison with the linn, I personally thought it sounded very slightly better, but the linn has stood the test of time, what a fabulous tt.
I enjoy had my LP12 since 1989 & it still works perfectly… bravo Linn. Almost had a heart attack looking at the price of the 50th anniversary version!!! I’m sure it’s a wonderful thing to own but that’s nuts
Friends would tell me I was mad spending out on a Linn Sondek and how it can't make that much difference. I would start a demonstration by taking the platter off because when you put the centre spinal down it takes a long time for it to sink into position. The precision is so high that the air becomes a cushion to the very heavy platter slowing the decent into position. None of my friends would ever consider spending that kind of money and less so at today's prices. Most gave up record collections 25 years ago and have no hi-fi now.
I got my first Linn Sondek in 1980 with Ittok and Asak. In 1990 I went to get some of the upgrades on offer. The hi-fi shop would fit all the updates which would take a month or I could collect a brand new Sondek in three days (set up and soak tested). So I part exchanged my old Linn and for the odd £2000 got a new one with Ekos and Troika. 32 years later I return it for a second service (first was just new belt and some TLC, replaced hinge) fitting new bearings, a two speed motor (I know 33 and 45 at the press of a button like on my old Dasette from 1961) and changed the 32 year old cartridge to a Krystal for roughly the same outlay as I spent to buy it in 1990. I could have had more upgrades but had those that were most needed and gave the most improvement. If I still had the 1980 Linn Sondek it too could be updated to the same level, although after 42 years I am not sure what would have been left of the original.
For the service and new cartridge cost of over £2000 there are many choices of highly rated new models but they are still not a Linn Sondek. If I were to sell this configuration I might expect to get around £4000 which numerically is every penny I spent out on it over the passed 35 years.
Great story of yours. I have just recently changed my Turntable to a dare I say it, a Rega 50th Anniversary P3 from a Linn Basik with Akito Tonearm from 1993. The Linn still works, but I fancied something new.
I have a Hifi Magazine from 94 and there is an article comparing an original LP12 with the latest model. The latest model was much improved, but the original still gave a lot.
The dealer I got the Rega from also had a couple of LP12 in the showroom.
Having both Linn and Rega as British Manufacturers makes me proud to be British. If I had the funds, a LP12 would be a strong consideration.
Excellent
1974 linn Export LP12 here. Completely unmodified. Wouldn’t change it! Wish we could find a new smoke tint dust cover though after dropping it chipped the front corner. Honestly had that not happened iy would still look new.
I remember back in the 80’s.. New HiFi Sound magazine. Rather tongue in cheek advice about fitting a fairly expensive cartridge. (Tighten the bolts until it cracks then back off a quarter turn!). Needles to say the next months letter page had only one subject 😂😂
Congratulations !!
I have a great Linn Sondek LP12 with Ekos tone arm, Akiva stylus. Beloved Linn gave me a fantastic music for 20 years. I will accpmpany with her forever..
One thing, moving the counter weight to set zero point is very difficult & sticky. It won't against my moving. You'd better change this system to thread type.
My LP-12 was built at the "new" factory in 1988...Still in use today.If I need work on my deck Thomas O'Keefe @ Overture Audio in Ann Arbor Michigan is The BEST
I picked mine up used, older version. Grace tone arm. I have a SoundSmith Ruby on it and it sounds great.
Being nerdy about this sort of thing, I was struck by the old LP12 shown near the end- I thought they came with felt mats even then (I have a similar age LP12 which I remembered as having a felt mat from new) but that one has the rubber mat also used by Rega. Apparently Linn made them, and Rega ground off the Linn name! Certainly the Rega one that I have has a rough patch which looks as if something was ground off so I believe the story.
Okay, I’ll try listening with the lid off. As usual, there are forums full of differing opinions but I’ll go with this chap.
Give it a try and see what you think. If you can't hear a difference just leave it on and close the lid. - John
I cannot hear any difference between lid on and off, even at party volumes. So it stays down to avoid dust.
Extremely intrigued by the four bolt mounted tonearm base on the Keel. Was not expecting that.
Nigel mentioned that to me but I didn't get it on camera. It's a more rounded shape on the special edition deck so a new base is very tightly bolted onto the Keel 50 in the factory. There is no difference in performance, just a different design. -John.
@@Peter-Tyson The intriguing bit is that it is bolted at all. On the regular Keel the arm base is all one piece of metal with the arm board/sub-chassis
@TheDjcarlos67 - If no service work has been done since 1989, it might still sound good to you but doesn’t mean it’s working properly.
Things to consider: the power supply caps are probably rather shot if it’s the internal Valhalla supply. They *do* likely need to be changed after round 20? years. The springs might be worn…the tonearm could have bearings issues and so on. Stuff wears out as the stylus on your cartridge does.
Car analogies can be great for other things. Think of your Linn the same as you would a car. It will still run seemingly fine if 2 of 12 cylinders are dead..it gets fixed and you then and only then notice a difference
Linn owner of 20+ years with a few upgrades over the years that made a huge difference.
The price is insane.
But I have to ask... would it be as good as my old Dansette of the 1950s?!
I'm going to stick my neck out here and say yes 😁 - John
@@Peter-Tyson Thanks for your honesty, John. I shall save my £50-grand then and buy a lifetime's supply of jellybeans, instead!
A wise investment indeed...... - John
I would’ve liked to see how a real pro mounted the cartridge on the tonearm, as I have quite an expensive one coming soon and I’m really bad at it. My hands are so big and I’ve been known to destroy cartridges in the past because they’re so small and delicate. I’m actually quite nervous about attempting it this time to be honest.
All you need is 3 hands and microscope eyes....easy. Or someone like Nigel to do it for you! - John
Wow.... Gorgeous but @ $60K, it seems a bit pricey to me.... Makes the Rega Naiad @ $50K, limited to 50ish seems like a much better "value".
My Linn Sondek lp 12 with Ittok and denon mc cartridge rewired by B Torlai with Vandhull cable is almost 30 years old but doesn't look it at all
Nice video thanks. 1 question: many years ago I used to work in a shop that sold these and they said if you touch the platter (inner or outer) it would leave oily finger marks which in time could affect the finish. So we always used a duster when handling them. If this just “flannel” or does the finger prints not affect the finish anymore?
There is a bit of truth in that, there is a lacquer on the platter, if cleaning products are used, that lacquer is at risk of being stripped off. That is when fingerprints will become an issue. As long as no chemicals are used to clean it you'll be fine. - John
Are those WERA tools that are supplied with the turntable?
How much it cost to buy the chassis and bearing what is the chassis made from cast iron?
The LP12 Keel is machined from a single billet of aluminium. petertyson.co.uk/linn-lp12-keel-sub-chassis-upgrade
Here is the Karousel bearing petertyson.co.uk/linn-karousel-bearing
There are more links in the description from the video. - John
I've just discovered how expensive ia this version. 50000- 60000 its uber expensive. High end audio today is pure luxury for rich people. And speculation
You even get German screwdrivers!
Should've been Britool.
Pickle or pear? Which is it? Sorry... I've not head enough coffee yet
Pickle 🥒 - John.
@@Peter-Tyson Thank you sir
Why are these not assembled in factory?!
I believe the shipping would destroy any tuning. So the final mile has to take care of final tuning regardless. So ship for safety, and let assembly happen when the final mile shipping is TLC.
Because there are so many options. You want a walnut plinth? Fine. Ekos arm or Krane? Suits you sir. Cartridge? MM or MC? Power supply can be anything from Basik to the top end. Linn provides the bits. The dealer makes it yours. God, I sound like a salesman. (Which I was).
He has not revealed the shape in which he applies the belt, did he?
Pickle ...always pickle 🥒 🙂 - John.
@@Peter-Tyson thanks!
Too expensive LP12 when I watch all these videos I understand the one I have got 25th anniversary LE for 5.000,00 GBP at that time 1997 was a true bargain
The same spec turntable in non special edition,£25000 less,must be people with more money than sense,and the special has a awful laminated plinth, bloody horrible
FYI: the new plinth is the upgrade (aside from the Jonny Ive aesthetic design update).