jhnpennington Posted November 27, 2022 Share Posted November 27, 2022 Hi, I am considering buying an early used Sondek from an LP12 specialist with a Valhalla board,a Linn Basik LV X arm and an AT-VM95e. Does this sound like a good starting point? The dealer recommended a Project Phono Box S2 as the phono stage. I'd be very interested in people's views on this. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hydrology Posted November 27, 2022 Share Posted November 27, 2022 Great starting point - you will enjoy it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 I've got both a LP12 and the Phono Box S2. It all depends on how much you are paying for the TT. The Phono Box S2 is a very warm sounding phono stage and takes a while to warm up before it sounds its best. What bearing does that LP12 have? I'd try and get at least a better cartridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhnpennington Posted November 28, 2022 Author Share Posted November 28, 2022 7 hours ago, Pegasus said: I've got both a LP12 and the Phono Box S2. It all depends on how much you are paying for the TT. The Phono Box S2 is a very warm sounding phono stage and takes a while to warm up before it sounds its best. What bearing does that LP12 have? I'd try and get at least a better cartridge. Paying £825 for the turntable, delivered and installed. It's a black liner bearing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregWormald Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 Older Linn tables are still (when in good repair) very good sounding for the money. The overall price is fine, and upgrades to the arm and cartridge will be easily supported by the table. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luc Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 13 minutes ago, jhnpennington said: Paying £825 for the turntable, delivered and installed. It's a black liner bearing. What's the serial number? That's where you should really start your investigation of the unit. But if you've already paid and gone ahead...then enjoy it!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhnpennington Posted November 28, 2022 Author Share Posted November 28, 2022 (edited) 12 minutes ago, Luc said: What's the serial number? That's where you should really start your investigation of the unit. But if you've already paid and gone ahead...then enjoy it!. I haven't paid for it yet. The table has been heavily refurbished, and I think it's lost it's serial number plate at some point. It's the black one on this page at £825 https://www.liquidaudio.co.uk/portfolio-1/incoming-items-kcx8p Edited November 28, 2022 by jhnpennington Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luc Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 16 minutes ago, jhnpennington said: I haven't paid for it yet. The table has been heavily refurbished, and I think it's lost it's serial number plate at some point. It's the black one on this page at £825 https://www.liquidaudio.co.uk/portfolio-1/incoming-items-kcx8p Quote Personally, I'd not buy a LP12 without the original serial number but if this is your budget limit then it looks like they've done a nice job of tidying it up but for my money, I'd be buying the next one down at £1295 as it would give you a really good unit which you could upgrade as you learn about these and...it would be a much easier thing to flog off down the track if you want to try something different and that's because it has it's serial number intact. But good luck all the same, I'm sure you'll enjoy the Linn sound. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhnpennington Posted November 28, 2022 Author Share Posted November 28, 2022 Thanks Luc, that's invaluable advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 I agree with Luc (something that doesn't happen very often). Your original choice has a poor tonearm and very basic cartridge. It would be far cheaper in the long run to buy as good as you can in the first place. It will work out far cheaper in the long run. The "black" bearing you refer to is a Cirkus bearing. Thy normally came in at around the 90,000 serial number. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhnpennington Posted November 28, 2022 Author Share Posted November 28, 2022 I think I'd better leave the LP12 alone. I was pushing my budget as it was. I'm looking for a turntable with that classic sort of sound - some of the modern ones I've tried (eg Roksan Attessa) seem to not have that. My budget is up to £750 and any recommendations would be gratefully received. Also in my system are a Nait XS and Falcon acoustics q7 gold badge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKay Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 10 minutes ago, jhnpennington said: I think I'd better leave the LP12 alone. I was pushing my budget as it was. I'm looking for a turntable with that classic sort of sound - some of the modern ones I've tried (eg Roksan Attessa) seem to not have that. My budget is up to £750 and any recommendations would be gratefully received. Also in my system are a Nait XS and Falcon acoustics q7 gold badge. See if you can track down a Pink Triangle turntable. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh0571 Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 (edited) Great move. I wouldn't pay that either for a very basic LP12 without a serial number and in pretty ordinary cosmetic condition too. In terms of that 'classic sort of sound' that you mention that you're after, I'm not sure what to suggest other than to hear as many decks as you can in your budget. You should be spoilt for choice in the UK! Good luck with it! Edited November 28, 2022 by josh0571 Typo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhnpennington Posted November 28, 2022 Author Share Posted November 28, 2022 By that 'sound' I guess I mean not the sort of tight, ultra-accurate sound that makes the turntable sound more like a CD player. I am looking for warm and airy presentation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxontherun Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 Crikey, those dudes know how to charge! fox 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKay Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 This has a lovely arm as well. https://www.hifi-forsale.co.uk/mobile/moreinfo.php?pid=104827 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKay Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 The good thing about Pink Triangle is that Charles at True Point Audio can do some upgrades when you have the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bisguittin Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 34 minutes ago, PKay said: This has a lovely arm as well. https://www.hifi-forsale.co.uk/mobile/moreinfo.php?pid=104827 Extremely good advice and I agree on the arm. Syrinx knew what they were doing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhnpennington Posted November 28, 2022 Author Share Posted November 28, 2022 Thanks all. I've enquired as to availability. What sort of cartridge would suit that arm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKay Posted November 29, 2022 Share Posted November 29, 2022 15 hours ago, jhnpennington said: Thanks all. I've enquired as to availability. What sort of cartridge would suit that arm? The arm has an effective mass of 11g so quite a large number of carts. What is your budget? New or second hand? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted November 29, 2022 Share Posted November 29, 2022 In my opinion, the Pink Triangle is a better turntable than a basic LP12. I have both. A Denon 103R would be a good budget choice. I ran a Benz Micro Ace for a while on my Pink Triangle P Too for a while with good results. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luc Posted November 29, 2022 Share Posted November 29, 2022 Yes. A Denon 103R in a wooden body(such a shame Duc has passed on) would be a perfect choice for you John and most of the TT's available in your budget. Have read of this review of a Project Carbon Evo review and see what you think. Very capable TT and easy to move on if after awhile you feel the itch to upgrade. We could spend endless hours suggesting TT's in your budget but at some stage you'll have to take the plunge. It might be a bit scary but just keep in mind that you can move a TT on fairly easily so it's not endgame for you. Upgrading your Phono stage to accommodate Low v MC carts and then if the sound improves, keep the MC cart and flog the TT and upgrade after say 12 months. If you drop a few hundred quid in the deal then that's normal. But look at it as 12 months learning and now you've got some experience on board it's time to try an upgrade and take you MC cart with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crtexcnndrm99 Posted November 29, 2022 Share Posted November 29, 2022 23 hours ago, jhnpennington said: By that 'sound' I guess I mean not the sort of tight, ultra-accurate sound that makes the turntable sound more like a CD player. I am looking for warm and airy presentation. I would be recommending a Lenco 75 replinthed for bold, classic sound. High quality parts, nothing ‘wobbles’, and plenty of aftermarket part options to upgrade. Also easier to work on, I’m led to believe (having never owned, but admired aesthetically, the LP12). Cheers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhnpennington Posted November 29, 2022 Author Share Posted November 29, 2022 (edited) I think my plan may be this - I currently have a Project Automat A1 that I thought was faulty as I was getting a cyclical hum/buzz through the speakers. Turns out that when I was rearranging plugs etc, I had changed where I had plugged in the amp. It had been directly into the wall, but I had plugged it into the Tacima mains extension/conditioner and it was no longer grounding properly. Put the plug directly into the socket - problem solved. I think I may not have the budget I need, The Denon DL-103R sounds perfect, but its £350, then I would need a turntable good enough to put it on. One option is a classic 70s/80s automatic Japanese (maybe Denon) deck as they seem very high quality and my wife likes the automatic functionality of the A1. We're after not after ultimate resolution, more like the right vibe. So I am considering keeping the A1 for now and upgrading properly when I can afford it. Edited November 29, 2022 by jhnpennington Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhnpennington Posted November 29, 2022 Author Share Posted November 29, 2022 What would people's thoughts be on this? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155261002105?hash=item242646e179:g:q3EAAOSw0QFizR8b&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoDqbzEibGr5SCwsbspx0pG%2FbhadaMfB1ETmV%2FO6F4sKpQd7ev4pH0im1%2BlXwgpZJd5oJFpRJ4iwwdNa2Q19pcf0QnJUTAWHMiPaNp24R%2BIbZU0KD7FPhi5Q362Ay%2FkqET%2BnYXRs%2Fu7e0G6vQu2D8TnGkOBt%2BYUykmW7JCmNJ3lQAenfVdexu9a%2Fznjq9zJ5vf2Rdke7%2Bz7qw8cd2iODiA4U%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR5yh-KuYYQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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