Linn Sondek 50th anniversary, really that good?
- Thread starter Uwiik
- Start date
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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Yes I did! This is my old one, updated to the present full spec level. It is/was really good, but the Lp12-50 is far better than I expected. The spatiality of the reproduction is almost magical.
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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.
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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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.
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 !
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!'
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.
For the folks who dismissed the LP12 based on 40+ year old auditions …
It just so happened that I acquired an LP12 this year. I coudn't run to an LP12 50, so I bought a second hand one that I have had brought to up current Klimax spec for a quarter of the price all in.
It sounds absolutely amazing. Miles ahead of the Klimax LP12 that I sold five years ago. The Karousel and Radikal 2 make a world of difference. As does using the improved Urika II phono stage with a Klimax DSM/3. I am in vinyl nirvarna, now.
It's hard to believe, but I am told by someone who's heard a direct compraison, that the LP12 50 sounds better by a large margin due to the Bedrok plinth. I have held a Bedrok plinth in my hands. It feels like wood to touch, but weighs as much as solid metal. Hopefully in time, it will be available as an upgrade for all LP12s.
Value is entirely in the eye of the beholder. For their money, the LP12 50 purchasers get fantastic sound quality and an exceptionally stylish product. I doubt if it'll prove to be a good financial investment, but that's not the point of buying one. Those fortunate to own one are indeed blessed.
It sounds absolutely amazing. Miles ahead of the Klimax LP12 that I sold five years ago. The Karousel and Radikal 2 make a world of difference. As does using the improved Urika II phono stage with a Klimax DSM/3. I am in vinyl nirvarna, now.
It's hard to believe, but I am told by someone who's heard a direct compraison, that the LP12 50 sounds better by a large margin due to the Bedrok plinth. I have held a Bedrok plinth in my hands. It feels like wood to touch, but weighs as much as solid metal. Hopefully in time, it will be available as an upgrade for all LP12s.
Value is entirely in the eye of the beholder. For their money, the LP12 50 purchasers get fantastic sound quality and an exceptionally stylish product. I doubt if it'll prove to be a good financial investment, but that's not the point of buying one. Those fortunate to own one are indeed blessed.
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