Suitable arm for an LP12, early version , plus which upgrades

[avole]

Just picked up an original early 1980s LP12. Needs an arm - have an RB350 I could use, but I was wondering whether this would be the best match. If not, what would be a good arm - budget preferably <£300, secondhand fine.

Also, given this appears to have the original power supply and none of the later mods, what would you recommend as giving best bang for buck? Again, budget is around the £300 mark.

Advice appreciated, cheers.

 

[rmsshipbroker]

Hi, not sure about arms but in respect of upgrades it might be worth investigating the Cirkus mods, if you want to keep it Linn.

I bought a Valhalla powered Sondek around 82 and had the mods done when they came out.

I admit though I have no idea about the current cost and my spidey senses tell me it might be more than £300 now. :roll:

Alternatively, if you dont mind straying from the path of the righteous (like I have), I can definitely recommend the Vivid subchassis from Inspire Hifi:-

http://www.inspirehifi.co.uk/vivid.html

Now that does come in around £300, plus fitting though, unless you DIY.

I had the full menu of alterations done but I strongly suspect, looking at the old removed subchassis, that the new subchassis was the biggest contributor to the very worthwhile improvements.

Whereabouts are you based?

Anywhere near Chesterfield where Inspire are based, or between Hull and Leeds where I am based?

Cheers

Steve

 

[It Cost How Much!?!]

Linn & Rega arms :nup:

For a period piece, Grace 707! For a better arm, Ittok!

Linn upgrades, meh and again meh.

 

[rabski]

Linn & Rega arms :nup: For a period piece, Grace 707! For a better arm, Ittok!

Linn upgrades, meh and again meh.

Ittok, definitely.

For 'upgrades' stay well clear of almost everything. They make the good old fruitbox better than it is, possibly, but destroy its character and you end up with something that's cost a packet and isn't up to the standard of alternatives.

The Valhalla board is sensible as it does provide reasonable speed stability if it isn't already fitted.

Add that, add a decent Ittok, then leave well alone. Spend some time/money setting it up properly (utterly essential), then enjoy it for what it is and what it does. It's flawed, but highly enjoyable to listen to.

If you have some skill and some time, strip it completely, then clean everything and rebuild it. It's fun and you'll end up with something fun and immensely enjoyable. Flawed, but musical, lively and sensible money.

 

[rmsshipbroker]

The Valhalla board is sensible as it does provide reasonable speed stability if it isn't already fitted.

True, and there is always the option of the Hercules power supply, which is basically the equivalent of a Valhalla but with 45 rpm available at the push of a button.

- - - Updated - - -

For 'upgrades' stay well clear of almost everything. They make the good old fruitbox better than it is, possibly, but destroy its character and you end up with something that's cost a packet and isn't up to the standard of alternatives.

Yeah, I'd have to admit that's fair.

I like the turntable I've ended up with but there is no way I'd describe it as good value compared to the competition.

 

[take5]

Do you have £600. £300 for arm and £300 for other Improvements. Just checking.

Firstly, I agree that the Ittok would be good, but you are not going to get one for under £300. More likely £400/450.

I have a perfect Valhalla including switch you can have cheap, if you want to go down that route.

I would just stick your existing Rega arm on and leave it as is, and enjoy it. The "improvements" would not be huge.

I would say that if you are thinking of spending £600 plus the value of the LP12, you will get a lot better sounds for your £1000. Save your money. Live with the LP12 as is, and decide after 6 months or so.

 

[pmac]

Just picked up an original early 1980s LP12. Needs an arm - have an RB350 I could use, but I was wondering whether this would be the best match. If not, what would be a good arm - budget preferably <£300, secondhand fine.Also, given this appears to have the original power supply and none of the later mods, what would you recommend as giving best bang for buck? Again, budget is around the £300 mark.

Advice appreciated, cheers.

Have you considered a Roksan Nima?

 

[SCIDB]

Hi,

Has the deck got a arm board? What is the arm hole fitting? Go for an arm that fits that hole. Or buy a arm board for a rega.

Get your deck fettled properly. Either do it yourself or get someone who knows what they are doing. New springs and grommets etc are the way to go to start with.

SCIDB

 

[roob]

Back in the day a Rega arm on a bog std LP12 was considered a no no, lack of synergy etc.

 

[The Strat]

Have you considered a Roksan Nima?

:^ Might be worth a call to Peter at Cymbiosis. A lot of his clients are having Nimas put on their Linns.

 

[The Strat]

For 'upgrades' stay well clear of almost everything. They make the good old fruitbox better than it is, possibly, but destroy its character and you end up with something that's cost a packet and isn't up to the standard of alternatives.

.

That's a judgement call Rich - a fully loaded current version sure is a lot of £ but ime makes a super sound - says someone who bought one of the alternatives!!!

 

[avole]

Cheers all for the relplies and advice. I'm reasonably handy so will be giving the Linn a good service/cleaning myself when it finally arrives. The valhalla seems a good idea, so will definitely go down that route. Still unsure about the arm - an ittok sounds like a good idea, but may try the Rega first.

By the way, just looked at the picture and it says "Export Linn Sondek"? Any clues as to what this means?