Linn Sondek 50th anniversary, really that good?

matthias

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Mar 14, 2019
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Did someone directly compare the LP12/50th to a Klimax LP12 with the same specs?
 

Another Johnson

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Jan 13, 2022
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Did someone directly compare the LP12/50th to a Klimax LP12 with the same specs?
They don’t have the same specs. The plinths are made differently. There are a few other differences as well. Linn have put their best effort into this commemorative edition. Some will hear it as a major step forward. Others will point and say that Linn are overpriced rubbish, many without an audition.

We already know who will be in either camp (after 50 years of continuously evolving LP12).

Perhaps you know this, but many don’t: the max price models come with Linn’s top level phono preamp, arm, and cartridge. The Klimax represents an excellent value compared to market. The LP12-50 is fairly priced by market. If they don’t sell them out, it will surprise me.

Edit: https://www.linn.co.uk/us/blog/the-...lovefroms-collaboration-on-the-sondek-lp12-50
 
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Kjetil

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matthias

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Mar 14, 2019
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My point is this:
AFAIK, THE difference between the LP12/50th and a comparable Klimax LP12 is the plinth. I claim Linn can offer the plinth for much less than the price difference and make money anyway.

 
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mtemur

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A friend bought 25th anniversary model years ago. Just like this 50th anniversary model it was something special or should I say ought to be something special. In reality it wasn’t special on any account with lower than mediocre sound. He sold it quickly. I hope this 50th anniversary is better.
 
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Bonesy Jonesy

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I had one of the earlier (early 1980's) Linn Sondek TT's with the Linn basic tonearm and Linn basic cartridge.
It was hooked up to basic Naim electronics which were connected to Linn Kan speakers.

The performance of the Sondek wasn't very reliable and consistent i.e. some days it would sound quite good other days it would sound not good at all ! It's performance changed like the UK seasonal weather ! I would never know on any day how it would sound until I started playing a record (I didn't have many LPs back then so played some of them very often where I could easily hear the differences).

Never exactly understood why this was so....could only assume it was down to changes in internal room temperature and humidity throughout the year as all the other variables were constant !
 

Bonesy Jonesy

Well-Known Member
Jan 3, 2017
688
510
230
UK & Spain
I had one of the earlier (early 1980's) Linn Sondek TT's with the Linn basic tonearm and Linn basic cartridge.
It was hooked up to basic Naim electronics which were connected to Linn Kan speakers.

The performance of the Sondek wasn't very reliable and consistent i.e. some days it would sound quite good other days it would sound not good at all ! It's performance changed like the UK seasonal weather ! I would never know on any day how it would sound until I started playing a record (I didn't have many LPs back then so played some of them very often where I could easily hear the differences).

Never exactly understood why this was so....could only assume it was down to changes in internal room temperature and humidity throughout the year as all the other variables were constant !
correction in text in last sentence, should read after the word 'year';
'as all the other possible variables were assumed to be quite constant!'
 

Sencha

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Nov 11, 2013
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U.K.
I had one of the earlier (early 1980's) Linn Sondek TT's with the Linn basic tonearm and Linn basic cartridge.
It was hooked up to basic Naim electronics which were connected to Linn Kan speakers.

The performance of the Sondek wasn't very reliable and consistent i.e. some days it would sound quite good other days it would sound not good at all ! It's performance changed like the UK seasonal weather ! I would never know on any day how it would sound until I started playing a record (I didn't have many LPs back then so played some of them very often where I could easily hear the differences).

Never exactly understood why this was so....could only assume it was down to changes in internal room temperature and humidity throughout the year as all the other variables were constant !
That sounds more like a Naim electronics issue, the old amps were very sensitive to incoming mains voltage. On any given day they could be outstanding or completely pants.
 
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