What makes a LP12 work?
Plinth and Lid
The original LP12 plinth was made from Afromosia. Afromosia is a large tropical tree of the forests of Central and West Africa, and is now endangered. Modern LP12 plinths are available in a variety of hard-wood species such as birch, ash, cherry, and oak. In recent years Linn has also offered painted plinth options. Many aftermarket plinths are also available to suit every taste.
Early plinths were made of a simple yet sturdy construction. Later plinths from about 1984 onwards feature additional corner bracing to strengthen the frame. If your plinth does not have it, it is no big deal.
Platter and Subplatter
Your LP12's platter is a precision-made product that is a vital compontent to your turntable. It consists of two parts: the subplatter, also called the inner platter, is the one on which the second part, the outer platter, rests. Together, they form the basis on which your vinyl records will rest.
The thin felt mat is seen by many as a real pain, but it is probably still the default surface on which your LPs will lie. If static is a problem, use folded cellotape to stick the mat to the platter and avoid lifting it along with your record.
Motor and Power Supply
Your motor may have lasted for years, but somewhere down the line it will fail. It is not always fatal though, as motors can be serviced. Should you need a new motor, we can refer you to individuals who can source them. It could be a new unit, or pre-owned, depending on your budget.
The most common problem is failing capacitors and resistors, especially on the Valhalla power supply. This is often an easy and affordable fix, and brings new life to older models without making a large dent in your pocket.
Main Bearing
Apart from the stylus, the platter is the most direct contact your turntable has with the record. It relies on a quiet and stable bearing. The more freely the platter spins, the more stable the motor will run.
Depending on your current sub chassis and power supply, upgrading from the pre-Cirkus to the Cirkus or the Karousel is an upgrade option, but not really necessary unless your current bearing is worn.
Subchassis and Suspension
The LP12 suspension is notoriously difficult to set up. Once it has been set up though, it should stay this way for a long time. LP12 fundis can supply suspension upgrade kits (springs, grommets, and fasteners) to ensure your LP12 can go on for a long time.
A number of upgrade options are available, from stock Linn items, to customised third-party products.
Tonearm and Armboard
The armboard and tonearm are the areas where very visible and important upgrades are made. Thousands of the older Ittok LVII, LVIII, and Basik arms are still peforming perfectly. The newer Ekos, Ekos SE, Arko, and Krane arms are all readily available.
There are many other non-Linn tonearms that will work perfectly with your LP12, two of them being Rega and Alphason.
Cartridge
Whether you use a budget MM cartridge or a super high-end MC, your tonearm must make the cartridge come alive. Arms and cartridges should be properly matched.
Our LP12 fundis can advise you on the best way to ensure your tonearm is perfectly set up to accommodate the cartridge of your choice.
Base
The original LP12 was sold with a base of masonite and simple, yet effective, rubber feet on each corner. Over the decades Linn issued upgraded base plates. Many effective baseplates are available from third-party manufacturers featuring rigid milled alloy constructions with the option to fit threaded feet or spikes to level the turntable.
Miscellaneous
Top plates, bottom covers, power switches, lids, and belts – all these can be replaced, upgraded, or repaired. If your top plate is a bit scratched or dirty, our LP12 fundis can guide you to the correct way to make it look like new again. [ See this article for more miscellaneous information. ]
Trust those that have done this, and maybe made a few mistakes along the way, to share their valuable experience.