linnfomaniac83
I bet you can’t wheelie a unicycle!
I’ve always loved the looks of a well cared for LP12. I’ve had three LP12s, the first was a pre Cirkus model with a Valhalla and an original Akito, it was definitely a step up from my Rega 3 but I knew there was more to be had, and found it in the shape of an almost brand new Cirkus model, which I had fitted with a used Lingo, an Ittok and a new Akiva... I quickly swapped the Ittok for an Ekos 2 and the Lingo for a Lingo 2, I got a killer deal on both used, the whole upgrade cost about £450 and was worth every penny... finally I got a used Keel and that was it, best deck I’ve ever owned.
My third deck was snapped up very cheap from a local classified ad, a very late pre Cirkus model with an Ittok and a dead Valhalla (the ad read something like “my late father in law’s old turntable, not working, need it gone this week or it goes to the tip”), it was in time warp condition, I got rid of the Ittok and fitted a Roksan Nima, fitted a Hercules PSU (proceeds of the Ittok pain for the new arm and PSU) and finally a lightly used Kontrapunkt B. That deck was hands down the best bang for buck deck I’ve owned (cost me under £700). I really, really regret selling it. I had to sell the Cirkus/Keeled deck to help fund a house move but if I’d still owned the “Nima” deck, I’d have promoted that to main deck duties and still have very happily been using it now.
I think LP12s are absolutely stunning in full “SE” and above spec... their older arms such as the Basik, Akito and even the Ittok (controversial I know) are underwhelming, so unless I could afford an Ekos, I’d be looking outside of Linn for an arm. I’m tempted to build another LP12 with a Nima and maybe a Lingo 4 just be happy with it for the long term The Nima is an amazing match!
