andyr Posted January 18 Posted January 18 16 minutes ago, Hydrology said: So let's just move on and discuss their merits (or pitfalls) by actual users. But you are not a user, H - and you've gone into print saying there's no way you'll consider them! Whereas we who have installed them ... say they're wonderful. 19 minutes ago, Hydrology said: but I'm personally very happy as a Linn owner to live and die by the company's ethos. But what is the company ethos? Back in the day: the (vibrations in the) pressed-steel subchassis forced the armboard to be connected with 3 little screws. as a result, other TTs which had a rigid connection between arm and platter ... had a better delivery of low-level information. finally, Linn came out with the Keel - which solved this problem. Linn also promoted the advantages of an AC motor ... when third-party mfrs came out with a DC motor controller. then ... they introduced the Radikal! So, DC motors were always better??? To my way of thinking, 3rd party mfrs have always come out with LP12 add-ons; sometimes, these 3rd party mfrs have caused Linn to change their stated philosophy/ethos. 1 1
SONDEKNZ Posted January 18 Posted January 18 (edited) 1 hour ago, Tasebass said: @SONDEKNZ… BTW have you ever run battery powered gear?? Yep. I quite successfully powered our CHORD Qutest DAC with a cellphone charger [LATE EDIT: Battery Power Bank Charger] for a while. It was a definite step-up from the CHORD Wall-wart - but I'm sure it could be bettered by an ultra-low-noise variant. Meanwhile, our advanced DIY SMPS has taken the Qutest to an entire next level. No credit on my part! - I have a mate here in China, who is a specialist in high-end audio circuitry. Edited January 18 by SONDEKNZ
SONDEKNZ Posted January 18 Posted January 18 (edited) 9 hours ago, Hydrology said: There seems to be some hesitation to let this go - I mean that the people that show no interest in these "mushrooms" are constantly told by others they're wrong for not drinking or considering the Kool Aid. I've seen you pop up on many other forums around the interwebs and your intensity in trying to find people to convert is equaled by your ability to question those who won't convert, it almost seems like schilling for the brand. Now, I don't believe you are, but at least accept, for many reasons, why some of us have no desire to take on this "upgrade". I've no doubt those who have them believe it's a step in the right direction and I have no issue reading posts (past and future) about their improvements, but I'm personally very happy as a Linn owner to live and die by the company's ethos. I am more than happy to read more contributions to this thread about their benefits, but I would rather not read posts castrating those who don't or won't consider this upgrade. So let's just move on and discuss their merits (or pitfalls) by actual users. Nobody is twisting your arm, Hydro... But you might want to check the title of this thread again. I'm just a beggar showing other beggars where to find bread. You might also notice that I'm not the only evangelist for the springless LP12 - but thanks for making special mention of my efforts. I have to acknowledge that it was @evgill - right here in this forum - who swam against the crowd and first put me onto the mushrooms, and I will always be so thankful. So, I have shared the good news wherever and whenever possible! Would you believe that I have actually had other forum members from overseas send me gifts, they were so thankful to hear the improvements wrought by the mushrooms on their own LP12s - for such a humble investment. (Not that I desire such compensation...) So I'll just keep on banging-on, in the hopes that - against all odds - one day, you too will be sitting there listening to your springless LP12; and unable to lose the big grin cemented to your face. Promise you'll be more forgiving, the day you wrap your ears around a nice set of mushrooms... Until then, feel free to ignore me. Edited January 18 by SONDEKNZ 1
andyr Posted January 18 Posted January 18 23 minutes ago, SONDEKNZ said: Yep. I quite successfully powered our CHORD Qutest DAC with a cellphone charger for a while. C'mon, Tony ... a cell-phone charger (which is probably a SMPS!) is not the same as an SLA supply!! 1
SONDEKNZ Posted January 18 Posted January 18 23 minutes ago, andyr said: C'mon, Tony ... a cell-phone charger (which is probably a SMPS!) is not the same as an SLA supply!! You're right Andy. I meant to type Battery Power Bank Charger, now edited.
bob_m_54 Posted January 18 Posted January 18 25 minutes ago, SONDEKNZ said: You're right Andy. I meant to type Battery Power Bank Charger, now edited. A battery power bank charger isn't the same as a SLA battery either. They have a SMPS or buck boost to convert from the 3.7V batteries to 5.1V output. But I have used one to supply a Raspberry Pie, with good results. 1
Addicted to music Posted January 18 Posted January 18 1 hour ago, SONDEKNZ said: Yep. I quite successfully powered our CHORD Qutest DAC with a cellphone charger [LATE EDIT: Battery Power Bank Charger] for a while. It was a definite step-up from the CHORD Wall-wart - but I'm sure it could be bettered by an ultra-low-noise variant. Meanwhile, our advanced DIY SMPS has taken the Qutest to an entire next level. No credit on my part! - I have a mate here in China, who is a specialist in high-end audio circuitry. 8 minutes ago, bob_m_54 said: A battery power bank charger isn't the same as a SLA battery either. They have a SMPS or buck boost to convert from the 3.7V batteries to 5.1V output. But I have used one to supply a Raspberry Pie, with good results. I used a clipper charger to run a Topping DAC with excellent result! Dont think Id replace it either. 1
Hydrology Posted January 18 Posted January 18 3 hours ago, SONDEKNZ said: But you might want to check the title of this thread again. "LP12 owners - what about those mushrooms?" What am I missing exactly with the thread title? I AM an LP12 owner who doesn't own and will not own these "mushrooms", hence what about them? My original comment and opinion on them is as relevant as anyone else.
Volunteer El Tel Posted January 18 Volunteer Posted January 18 I have hidden some posts which did nothing for the topic and only sought to create disruption. As the guidelines state, if you find yourself in a circular disagreement, disengage and move on. Please desist with the pointless niggling and focus on the topic, I have better things to do with my Sunday and hope you do too. 1
Hydrology Posted January 19 Posted January 19 16 hours ago, andyr said: But you are not a user, H - and you've gone into print saying there's no way you'll consider them! One of (not the only) reasons I'm not interested in these is the fact that their resonant frequency is in the audible spectrum. Check out B1 in the attached datasheet:- https://docs.rs-online.com/7440/0900766b81440522.pdf 23-49Hz ? Linn springs are about the 6Hz region, well below the audible region. Now, those using these mushrooms who claim they are a step in the right direction, bravo to you, but the engineer in me sees that datasheet and says "not for me, thanks".
Volunteer El Tel Posted January 19 Volunteer Posted January 19 17 minutes ago, Hydrology said: One of (not the only) reasons I'm not interested in these is the fact that their resonant frequency is in the audible spectrum. Check out B1 in the attached datasheet:- https://docs.rs-online.com/7440/0900766b81440522.pdf 23-49Hz ? Linn springs are about the 6Hz region, well below the audible region. Now, those using these mushrooms who claim they are a step in the right direction, bravo to you, but the engineer in me sees that datasheet and says "not for me, thanks". I had an irritating feedback situation with a TT on my old AV furniture a couple of years ago. If the volume was loud enough, it created a loop at about 40Hz and the subs would start to go nuts and runaway. It abated with new racks and an isolation platform. I can certainly see the engineering premise of not wanting to introduce anything additional to the physical platform with a resonant frequency in that zone, that could potentially defeat any other isolation mechanisms/devices in play further away from the point of stylus/groove interface. 2
evgill Posted January 19 Posted January 19 2 hours ago, Hydrology said: One of (not the only) reasons I'm not interested in these is the fact that their resonant frequency is in the audible spectrum. Check out B1 in the attached datasheet:- https://docs.rs-online.com/7440/0900766b81440522.pdf 23-49Hz ? Linn springs are about the 6Hz region, well below the audible region. Now, those using these mushrooms who claim they are a step in the right direction, bravo to you, but the engineer in me sees that datasheet and says "not for me, thanks". Yep, caught that over on another group for a guy (or was that you) with a very long thread on ‘improving’ an LP12. For the record I’ve got them. First hour of play the sound was closed in and flat (didn’t worry me as it was a 10minute job to install and if I reverted probably 30 minutes or so to get the springs working correctly again). But then everything settled in and from then on the presentation was back to what I had experienced with the springs The question on the stated frequency would be how that was measured e.g. did that include the brass inserts that are part of the TAICA as supplied? The more critical measurement would be the polymer pieces on their own. All I can say is that, in my system, there is no audible downside. Mine are staying. 2
andyr Posted January 19 Posted January 19 4 minutes ago, evgill said: The question on the stated frequency would be how that was measured e.g. did that include the brass inserts that are part of the TAICA as supplied? The Linnarts mushrooms that I have certainly didn't come with brass inserts! 4 minutes ago, evgill said: All I can say is that, in my system, there is no audible downside. Mine are staying. Except I did get a bit more sensitivity to footfalls. Now cured by putting a squash ball at each corner of my perspex 'SkeletaLinn' base. 2
Hydrology Posted January 19 Posted January 19 (edited) 51 minutes ago, evgill said: Yep, caught that over on another group for a guy (or was that you) with a very long thread on ‘improving’ an LP12. For the record I’ve got them. First hour of play the sound was closed in and flat (didn’t worry me as it was a 10minute job to install and if I reverted probably 30 minutes or so to get the springs working correctly again). But then everything settled in and from then on the presentation was back to what I had experienced with the springs The question on the stated frequency would be how that was measured e.g. did that include the brass inserts that are part of the TAICA as supplied? The more critical measurement would be the polymer pieces on their own. All I can say is that, in my system, there is no audible downside. Mine are staying. Considering the manufacturer supplied the information, its up to them to explain how they came to that conclusion. From my perspective, considering this is from the horses' mouth, some would-be interested LP12 users might be turned off before they're turned on. And a lot of LP12 owners don't have the luxury of experience of taking apart a deck and modifying it/resetting it, so it's understandable that there will also be a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude by many. My deck sounds wonderful as is - the only change I have made is the Karousel bearing. I do not want to lose the neon switch so even a Lingo upgrade is not on the cards, but there are many ways to improve my deck (and others) in other ways, such as replacing the Supex SD900IV when the time comes. And no, that wasn't me over "there"! Edited January 19 by Hydrology
evgill Posted January 19 Posted January 19 5 minutes ago, Hydrology said: Considering the manufacturer supplied the information, its up to them to explain how they came to that conclusion. From my perspective, considering this is from the horses' mouth, some would-be interested LP12 users might be turned off before they're turned on. And a lot of LP12 owners don't have the luxury of experience of taking apart a deck and modifying it/resetting it, so it's understandable that there will also be a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude by many. My deck sounds wonderful as is - the only modification I have made is the Karousel bearing. I do not want to lose the neon switch so even a Lingo upgrade is not on the cards, but there are many ways to improve my deck (and others) in other ways, such as replacing the Supex SD900IV when the time comes. And no, that wasn't me over "there"! Look, I don’t think TAICA would have the slightest interest in explaining their measurements to a few guys who’ve purchased their product to use in a way they were never designed for… and it goes without saying that many, I would say most, LP12 owners don’t have the experience to do this BUT. Those that do can, or cannot be bothered. No biggie. By the by, I also have the Karousel ‘Upgrade’ …a mod it is not. 1
andyr Posted January 19 Posted January 19 3 minutes ago, Hydrology said: Considering the manufacturer supplied the information, its up to them to explain how they came to that conclusion. True! 3 minutes ago, Hydrology said: From my perspective, considering this is from the horses' mouth, some would-be interested LP12 users might be turned off before they're turned on. And a lot of LP12 owners don't have the luxury of experience of taking apart a deck and modifying it/resetting it, so it's understandable that there will also be a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude by many. True - but (over almost 40 years of LP12 ownership) I have noticed a pronounced view amongst LP12 owners that "the dealer knows best" ... so they ain't gonna try adding non-Linn parts ... or even setting up their own deck! 3 minutes ago, Hydrology said: My deck sounds wonderful as is - the only modification I have made is the Karousel bearing. And yet ... I suspect you thought your LP12 sounded wonderful, before Linn came out with the Karousel? 3 minutes ago, Hydrology said: I do not want to lose the neon switch so even a Lingo upgrade is not on the cards So you can't play 45rpm LPs? To me - you are missing out majorly (as 'the Don' would say ). 3 minutes ago, Hydrology said: but there are many ways to improve my deck Linn's ethos, surely ... is that you need to upgrade to the Radikal DC motor? 1
Hydrology Posted January 19 Posted January 19 30 minutes ago, evgill said: By the by, I also have the Karousel ‘Upgrade’ …a mod it is not. Removed the word "modification" in my post and edited to say "change" so as not to offend or be taken the wrong way. 33 minutes ago, andyr said: And yet ... I suspect you thought your LP12 sounded wonderful, before Linn came out with the Karousel? Correct - the LP12 sounded great and the new bearing took it to another level. A Linn upgrade that I was happy to do based on numerous anecdotal comments out there (and first-hand experience of doing it for others). And despite positive anecdotal comments about the mushroom upgrade, I choose not to do it. But just because I choose not to do it doesn't mean I am not interested in reading comments from those who have done it. 38 minutes ago, andyr said: Linn's ethos, surely ... is that you need to upgrade to the Radikal DC motor? Linn's business ethos would of course expect me to upgrade to this motor and there are many reasons why I never will with this deck. In no particular order:- 1. Cost. 2. Heritage. My deck is a pristine 77-78 era unit in excellent condition. I've done my upgrade on this and despite many ways I can skin this cat for the better at a very small investment price, I choose not to. 3. Alternatives. I've spoken to Linn employees many times and its not always a slam dunk that they will recommend "upgrades". In fact, they were in agreement with me that it would make more sense to buy a new Majik LP12 than spend similar coin on my existing deck. I've heard this remark many times during Linn's Kliniks - of course this all ties into the "upgrade" and business ethos (buy a new LP12 rather than upgrade this one) but this recommendation can also come with the chance that an LP12 owner chooses to leave their existing deck as is and buy something that isn't a Linn. I've always admired the Linn guys for not being pushy in this regard. 4. Appropriation of time (and funds). My time as a tweaker is long behind me. I want to come home after a day's work and just listen to music, not get caught up in endless upgraditis or tweak-itis. And when funds allow, there are other parts of my system I would rather spend the cash on (of the plug and play variety) that I feel would yield better ROI. 54 minutes ago, andyr said: So you can't play 45rpm LPs? To me - you are missing out majorly (as 'the Don' would say ). I have a Garrard 401 for that. Just in case my message wasn't clear before, I am in no way against this mushroom upgrade for everyone else. I welcome more users to congregate here and discuss their virtues and I will happily read along. It's just not for me. 1 1
andyr Posted January 19 Posted January 19 37 minutes ago, Hydrology said: I have a Garrard 401 for that. Aha - so you play the better records (45s) on the better TT!! Makes sense. 1 1
NickofWimbledon Posted January 19 Author Posted January 19 As this thread already shows, there are lots of people to whom keeping what they regard as a proper LP12 or a real LP12 or an original LP12 or what Linn said was the correct or ultimate LP12 in 1975 (or 1985 or 1995 or 2005 or 2015 or 2025) is what counts. While some say it directly and some with reluctance, and some won’t admit it at all, this is not in any way the same as wanting the LP12 that their ears would declare the winner of a blind listening test, or the LP12 that an analytical programme would say was best. Some of those have no interest in such a listening test (and I say that having asked a few), while others get ‘passionate’ about changing the subject. I don’t think of myself as one of them. For well over 30 years, I have had an LP12 because (a) it was played music better than any other turntable I could even vaguely justify to myself buying, and (b) to the extent it still has quirks and a character of its own, these really don’t grate as much as those of other sources do. I also don’t feel a need to criticise people who gave up on turntables 30 years ago because their failings were just too annoying (including most professional musicians I have known), or those who reckon all turntables sound the same, or who just don’t want something that looks like an LP12 is their house. I mainly raised this question to get mushroom views, but I was also interested to see how many were as interested but dispassionate or disloyal among LP12 owners. It looks as if we have an answer to the last bit. 1
andyr Posted January 19 Posted January 19 You've confused me, Nick. 5 minutes ago, NickofWimbledon said: I mainly raised this question to get mushroom views, but I was also interested to see how many were as interested but dispassionate or disloyal among LP12 owners. It looks as if we have an answer to the last bit. But is a 'disloyal' LP12 owner ... one who puts non-Linn parts on their LP12? Or one who refuses to install Linn's latest recommendation on their beloved LP12? 7 minutes ago, NickofWimbledon said: As this thread already shows, there are lots of people to whom keeping what they regard as a proper LP12 or a real LP12 or an original LP12 or what Linn said was the correct or ultimate LP12 in 1975 (or 1985 or 1995 or 2005 or 2015 or 2025) is what counts. Sure, different strokes for different folks ... but what is a "proper" LP12? Given that Linn have introduced so many changes over the decades. 1
NickofWimbledon Posted January 19 Author Posted January 19 @andyr top questions. I couldn’t consider myself to loyal to Linn from 1980-ish onwards, because that would mean:- Remembering what they said about CD until… Remembering that the power supply must be in the turntable until… Remembering that the phono stage must not not be in the turntable, until… Remembering that the arm board needed to be bendy and attached with little screws to give some play until… Remembering that a hefty baseboard was a terrible idea until… Remembering an alternative arm lead was unnecessary and counterproductive until… Remembering that grooves on the fruitbox were visually the essence of an LP12 until… Remembering that a DC motor just could not deliver good SQ until… Remembering that analogue and digital were enemies and that once a signal went digital we might as well have a 1985-style DC player until… Remembering that the box needed to be real wood until… I nearly forgot… Remembering that that 3-spring suspension is what really counts when playing LPs, even if that would have meant buying an Ariston or a Thorens… Those are the first 11that spring to mind. Apologies if I got any wrong or left out your favourite. Also, just because these changes were all attacked when others made them, we should remember that some were never attacked by Linn directly (only dealers and journos), and that some were not adopted by Linn for many years while others were clearly already being worked on as soon as the ‘inspiration’ was launched and reviewed. OTOH, just because a hifi company is adaptable, progressive, accepting of new ideas and tech if they work better (if sometimes quiet about where they got the idea), flexible and so on does not require that people who buy their products have to do the same. There are for example people who simply prefer air-cooled Porsches (cars, not Tiger tanks) after all. Most who would never countenance an after-market part may nevertheless be interested in one day buying similar parts with Linn written on them or deciding not to do so (often because of what Linn charges) -it is a binary choice. Buying much the same product (if that is what it is in a particular case) from someone else for a third of the price really would be disloyal. It would also be no way to thank Ivor for his efforts - some say his net wealth is still below £30m! And the services of Jonny Ives may not literally be free either. Of course, there are also people who want the ‘honk’ of the first bearing and arm board, the 45rpm adapter, the tonal balance (and gentle rumble) that was the opposite of a typically strident early 80s CD player, the lack of much stereo image or top end detail and so on. That is what they grew up with, just as I did. Some (but not all) may listen to the Portsmouth Sinfonia rather than the LS0 too. There are plenty of things where I have not moved on (even if perhaps I should have done), so I am hardly in a position to criticise others with the same issue too harshly. Having a (hopefully gentle) giggle at their expense is of course a different matter. 1 3
NickofWimbledon Posted January 20 Author Posted January 20 On 18/01/2025 at 2:27 PM, Hydrology said: "LP12 owners - what about those mushrooms?" What am I missing exactly with the thread title? I AM an LP12 owner who doesn't own and will not own these "mushrooms", hence what about them? My original comment and opinion on them is as relevant as anyone else. I started the thread but am unsure of the etiquette here. I certainly hoped to get comments from LP12 users, not just users of one of the mushroom variants. If I should have phrased things differently to make that 100% clear, my apologies. My original degree was aeronautical engineering, but I certainly don't count myself as a competent engineer, so your comments are doubly welcome to me. On the other hand, it did occur to me that what the resonant frequency of these things in isolation may not be whole story if they are bolted tightly to something else. In any event, despite what the most ardent on both sides say, these things should be capable of being discussed in a civilised way, and decided on by people using their ears - whatever works, works. I recognise that some believe passionately that installing anything that was not made by Linn is heretical, and/ or that Linn knows best, and/ or that what they bought was what they wanted and that changes are not worth considering - even if their ears might in theory tell them in a blind test that the result was considerably better sound quality. Not all who profess no interest in mushrooms can be described thus. I am asking this question on a few different websites to collect more data. I do not use the Linn site, Tiktok or any Facebook groups, so have no input from them. What I can say so far is: - 1. This site is not the rudest or most confrontational, nor the most restricted. Thanks are due to @El Tel and co for making that true. 2. Most (but not all) people who say that they have put mushrooms in their LP12 report being happy with the result. 3. Most (but not all) of those say that the sound quality was improved, esp in areas like pitch stability. tonal neutrality, low noise floor and stereo image. Some of these are areas in which belt drives in general or LP12s in particular are often criticised, esp Valhalla-era or older. 4. A higher proportion of positive responses appear to have come from those for whom SQ mattered less than ease of use or reducing footfall sensitivity (i.e. all but one in this category across all sites were positive on the effect of mushrooms). 5. A higher proportion of positive SQ responses appear to have come from those with older LP12s and/ or those that have had few Linn upgrades in recent years. 6. Very few mushroom users (but not necessarily none) seem to have Radikal, Keel and Karousel, and those with an LP12 of that sort (or with a 3rd party Keel equivalent) who have tried mushrooms seem considerably more likely to have removed them again. 7. LinnArts in Sweden sells mushrooms and many other Linn bits. They appear to have installed them in one LP12 with Stiletto and Keel (among others), but I have no reports on why, whose or how it sounded. 8. Despite some respondents denying it, some well-known dealers have been and/ or are still perfectly willing to use non-Linn parts (esp Tangerine Audio and Naim), and/ or being quite civil about others that they do not sell. Far fewer admit to even having heard an LP12 with mushrooms. 9. Numbers so far? Excluding those who have commented in more than one place (and thanks to those who have kept that simple for me) it looks as if we have over 70 responses so far. Of those, over 30 have actually heard a mushroom LP12. If we treat (a) those that say they are positive but don't rate the SQ change per se or (b) class the option as useful but not for them or (c) opted not to do it after hearing the effect on someone else's LP12 as all being negative (which may well be rather harsh), then I think that we still have 15 positive responses. Some of these are on threads going back some time, but many comments in several places are from the same happy early adopters. 15 is still noticeably more than say clearly that they regard the effect on SQ as making it worse. 3
evgill Posted January 20 Posted January 20 (edited) Nick, i'll add that here in NZ (Dunedin) I put an LP12 owner onto them (Invercargill). He reverted back to the springs after a short time, preferred them. Circa late 80's fitted with Stack Sub with Karousel. Another small point. I have noticed a few who tried them said along the lines of ... ditched after two tracks, mushy, lack of focus... without a doubt that was my experience for a few tracks as well. I simply lowered the volume a touch, picked up a book and waited (my reasoning was that if nothing changed they were going) BUT about 30 minutes + in everything settled back to the familiar so they stayed "They probably make a badly set up LP12 sound better", nope if the LP12 is set up badly the TAICA's aren't going to help. "It you don't like a suspended LP12 buy something else". Sure, I've toyed with the idea of the Roksan Xerxes 20+ fitted with my Aro or Vertere MG1 but both at this time in my life are probably a "touch" more than I could justify to my long suffering wife. What I have, I am happy with. Sounds to my ears that I have lost nothing. Ease of use and peace of mind, not constantly worrying about 'pistonic bounce' is to me the biggest benefit. NOW if I could replace my 82/SCAP/250 with a single box without loss I'd be in heaven Edited January 20 by evgill 3
NickofWimbledon Posted January 20 Author Posted January 20 43 minutes ago, evgill said: Nick, i'll add that here in NZ (Dunedin) I put an LP12 owner onto them (Invercargill). He reverted back to the springs after a short time, preferred them. Circa late 80's fitted with Stack Sub with Karousel. Another small point. I have noticed a few who tried them said along the lines of ... ditched after two tracks, mushy, lack of focus... without a doubt that was my experience for a few tracks as well. I simply lowered the volume a touch, picked up a book and waited (my reasoning was that if nothing changed they were going) BUT about 30 minutes + in everything settled back to the familiar so they stayed "They probably make a badly set up LP12 sound better", nope if the LP12 is set up badly the TAICA's aren't going to help. "It you don't like a suspended LP12 buy something else". Sure, I've toyed with the idea of the Roksan Xerxes 20+ fitted with my Aro or Vertere MG1 but both at this time in my life are probably a "touch" more than I could justify to my long suffering wife. What I have, I am happy with. Sounds to my ears that I have lost nothing. Ease of use and peace of mind, not constantly worrying about 'pistonic bounce' is to me the biggest benefit. NOW if I could replace my 82/SCAP/250 with a single box without loss I'd be in heaven The point that even these things need to settle to work well is well made - some of the naysayers may have rejected too fast (but how can we know?). You are far from being alone in saying that the SQ is fine but the real world impact of not having to think about the suspension or take as much care when using is worth a lot and the real benefit of mushrooms in an LP12 with some modern features. As for the Xerxes, as even TM himself would probably say now, the theory was good... In Tassie, we use olive 82/ Hicap/ 250. My girlfriend has a Nova in the UK and plays a Rega P6 through it despite the A-to-D and D-to-A crime involved. It does not sound quite as good as 82/HC/250 (or with SC obviously), but it is closer than most traditionalists will admit. So is a Supernait 3 (improved with Hicap or Supercap, but that's another box) and that is a 'proper' analogue amp. If you really really want an integrated amp to match/ beat 82/SC/250, stop waiting for a Meganait, and raid the pension fund and buy an Aavik. Just IMHO of course. 1
SONDEKNZ Posted January 22 Posted January 22 We have had and adored our LP12 for decades. After less than 18-months of springless LP12 use, I cannot deny that I have thoroughly enjoyed using our LP12 with none of that infernal bounce. But we would return to the springs and all the hassles in a flash, if it wasn't for the superior sound quality we enjoy with the mushrooms. We didn’t make the change to cure footfall problems or to make cuing easier. Sound quality including far superior pitch stability was always our highest priority. I am extremely sensitive to any pitch variation and this drove the whole project. The fact that handling and cuing are far easier - and that there is nothing at all to wriggle out of alignment - are just (massive) bonuses to the boon in playback quality. 2
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