My new addition: Linn LP12/Ittok LVII/Lingo*

My new addition to my system, Linn LP12/Ittok LVII/Lingo. My Dad totally hooked me up with this (this was his 3rd Linn). Not sure what cartridge to go with, Ortofon 2M Bronze or Audio Technica AT33PTG/II (these are two that I already own). Also thinking of a cork mat instead of felt even though the felt is classic Linn. I have hardwood floors in my upstairs listening room and so far no footfall skips. Its pretty solid, will check how level it is with spirit level.

 

I would stay with the felt mat. And believe or not , one side sounds usually sounds better than the other.

 

Yeah, agreed! I have the underside of mine marked with a bit of tippex so I won't forget, how sad is that!

JG

 

I’ve heard and read about this before. Looks like I’ll be listening to both sides. BTW, this table was tuned by David Wilson of Accent On Music 2 years ago.

 

Nothin sad about that! I have a small piece of tape on the under side of mine. We need to do it cause sometimes static electricity will cause the mat to stick and fall from the record.

 

In 36 years of owing an LP12, I've never once compared the sound of the mat with different sides up. Maybe, I'll give it a try later on - I don't want anyone to think I have a closed mind.

 

You might be surprised.

 

My table is almost 30 years old and I’m thinking of having the springs & grommets replaced and having a tune up. Have you ever done that? I haven’t and am a little concerned that it might change the character of the table. Any experience with that?

 

Yes, I got that done some time around 1990. It's such long time ago I can't remember much about it. I think I would have remembered if the character had changed. Certainly, I wasn't disappointed and regarded it as making the turntable work like it did when new.

What I do remember well is getting more work done in 1998 and having Cirkus fitted at same time. I am not sure if grommets and springs were involved. The turntable was probably overdue a setup because I had moved house a couple of times. The improvement in sound was absolutely stunning. I remember the first record I played, Graceland. The rhythms sounded amazing.

That is all etched in my mind because it happened during my wife's first visit. She was very surprised because she didn't know records could sound that good.

I don't think any of the upgrades I done over the decades have changed the character of the deck just made it more musical, rhythmical and alive. I've never done any third party upgrades always official Linn ones.

 

Do you guys have the bottom cover on your LP12? I've also heard some owners who remove it.

 

Sorry, can't help. Never tried that. I presume it's there for safety reasons.

 

Hi, the early flimsy boards were often removed to Improve sound quality and were really only there for safety reasons with the old Valhalla power supply, the newer solid base board and trampolinn
Boards add structural integrity and do sound much better than the old board and no board.
Hope this helps.

 

Thank you. I’m not sure if this had a new board installed after the Lingo upgrade.

 

Maybe give your dealer a call to confirm, by the looks of your plinth it's an early one as I can see the insert for the old lid prop, a newer base would definitely give you a little boost in sound quality I did just this as mine was an earlyish pre braced job.

 

Congrats on your new table. I'm sure it's even a bit more special coming from your father. As far as mats go, I did the unthinkable and swapped out the felt Rega mat on my Planar 6 for the cork one I had lying around and I actually prefer the cork mat. Go figure.

 

Thanks, I’ll ask my Dad if it was replaced. I notice though that it feels flimsy, almost like it is suspended. This one does have the Trampoline though

 

Thanks man! My Dad is always changing turntables, had so many throughout the years of my life. I’m gonna listen closely while using the felt may to start than explore after that.

 

Mmmmm sounds like the original fibreboard base

 

The LP12 can sound a bit warm, so I'd start with whichever cartridge you find to sound brighter, probably the AT, although I'm not well familiar with that model.
-Bill

 

Thanks for the advice. Right now I’m running with a 2M Black which will be going on my Dad’s other table.

 

The 2m Black and 2m Bronze are identical accept for the stylus. So you can simply swap stylus without removing the cartridge body from the table, and oila, you have a Bronze installed and aligned, and your dad has a Black.
-Bill

 

Yes, that I knew.

 

That is a nice Setup! It is almost identical to mine - I am currently using a 1984 LP12 (serial number 46-something) with Lingo I PSU, a rebuilt Ittok LVII and an Audio Technica AT-33EV pickup. Does your LP12 already have the Circus bearing and subchassis?

 

Thank you!
No Circus bearing on this one