Radiohead99
Member
I’m seeking advise on LP12/turntable upgrade. I’m new to analog (and to this forum). Linn LP12 is my first turntable. It’s a brand new Majik with the new Kore and Lingo 4 upgrade. It has the new Karousel bearing, Krane arm, adikt cart.
I’ve a DIY music server which would compete with USD $10K commercial offering. My DAC is Holo Spring2 - a $2.2K mid level. I’m quite skilled with building music server and spent a lot of time improving it. I was very happy with the sound of my digital chain.
However, the new LP12 right out of the box sounded better than my digital on 70% of the music. I was floored! I started buying vinyl like a mad man.
The story takes a dramatic turn when I borrowed a Lampizator TRP DAC from a friend. With Lampi, my digital starting to sound quite a bit better than my LP12.
The areas where I think LP12 is equal (or sometimes little better ) than my digital is:
- Macro dynamics
- Detail
- Bass
- voice reproduction
But other areas where the digital with Lampi sounds quite a bit better than LP12:
- Transparency (I can hear deeper into the recording)
- Much more open midrange
- Airy and silky highs
- Better micro dynamics (LP12 sounds a bit flat in comparison on busy music)
- More agile and lighter on its feet (while never sounding thin or harsh)
I am willing to spend money on LP12 upgrades. But is it possible that LP12 (or suspended turntable for that matter) will never sound that open, uncolored, agile, and airy? I think my LP12 sounds very organic and musical. But the midrange thickness is pervasive regardless of the recording and its flat sounding on busy music is the biggest issue I want to improve on.
What LP12 upgrade I should aim first so that it can sound open and airy? Is the Radikal + MC cart will get me there? Or Keel+Ekos SE+ MC cart would be enough? I can go all the way up to Klimax if that s what it takes. But it’d be an expensive experiment if it doesn’t work out.
Would I better served by changing turntable to a direct drive type like Technics upper models 1000R?
Your opinions are most welcome!
I’ve a DIY music server which would compete with USD $10K commercial offering. My DAC is Holo Spring2 - a $2.2K mid level. I’m quite skilled with building music server and spent a lot of time improving it. I was very happy with the sound of my digital chain.
However, the new LP12 right out of the box sounded better than my digital on 70% of the music. I was floored! I started buying vinyl like a mad man.
The story takes a dramatic turn when I borrowed a Lampizator TRP DAC from a friend. With Lampi, my digital starting to sound quite a bit better than my LP12.
The areas where I think LP12 is equal (or sometimes little better ) than my digital is:
- Macro dynamics
- Detail
- Bass
- voice reproduction
But other areas where the digital with Lampi sounds quite a bit better than LP12:
- Transparency (I can hear deeper into the recording)
- Much more open midrange
- Airy and silky highs
- Better micro dynamics (LP12 sounds a bit flat in comparison on busy music)
- More agile and lighter on its feet (while never sounding thin or harsh)
I am willing to spend money on LP12 upgrades. But is it possible that LP12 (or suspended turntable for that matter) will never sound that open, uncolored, agile, and airy? I think my LP12 sounds very organic and musical. But the midrange thickness is pervasive regardless of the recording and its flat sounding on busy music is the biggest issue I want to improve on.
What LP12 upgrade I should aim first so that it can sound open and airy? Is the Radikal + MC cart will get me there? Or Keel+Ekos SE+ MC cart would be enough? I can go all the way up to Klimax if that s what it takes. But it’d be an expensive experiment if it doesn’t work out.
Would I better served by changing turntable to a direct drive type like Technics upper models 1000R?
Your opinions are most welcome!