Upgrade linn lp 12 or buy clear audio concept

[chris the bake]

I have decided to start listening to my vinyl collection again. I have a linn Sondeck LP 12 I bought second hand the late seventies. After forty years it needs attention. I have never upgraded this deck . After research it needs a full service, a new cartridge and a cirkus bearing upgrade. This going to cost over £1000 according to my online research. I am now retired with limited funds. So do I spend the money on the linn or buy a modern deck such as the Clearaudio Concept which is available for less than £1000. My stereo amp is a Marantz KI PM17 , my speakers are B&W 603 S2 floor standing speakers bi wired with QED SILVER CABLES. I not be changing this set up in the near future ( fund shortage again ). Any suggestions as what to do , any alternative turntable that would suit my kit, cheaper if possible.

 

[CnoEvil]

Nobody here can tell you with any certainty.

I suggest you go and listen to the Clearaudio and see what you think.

I had a mid 80s LP12/Ittok/Asak which I loved, so I'm a bit biased as to what I'd do.....here is a similar thread:

http://www.whathifi.com/forum/turntables-and-lps/new-clearaudio-concept-or-used-linnittok

 

[Jim-W]

My advice would be to get somebody, preferably a Linn dealer or somebody who has worked on Linn turntables to look at your LP12. Never mind the internet which can invariably offer conflicting advice. Do you have a Linn dealer nearby? I have an early LP12 too and I put my faith in the Linn specialists, although I can set the springs myself should I need to. The cirkus bearing is not loved by everybody; some argue the original bearing was better.

Get a quote from a dealer and then make your decision; it may be cheaper to get it working than you think.

 

[ifor]

Inspire HiFi are worth looking at with respect to reinvigorating the LP12.

 

[chris the bake]

I have a Linn dealer in Bath not far from where I live. They have estimated just over £ 550 to replace Moving coil cartridge and service deck. This did not include the bearings. I shall get advice as to whether I need to upgrade to cirkus. I just fear that after 40 odd years the bearing would probably need attention. Adding substantial costs to the job. My linn has the ittock v11 arm fitted. I could get a reasonable price for the linn as it stands. This money would go towards a new deck reducing the cost. I just wondered if spending £900 on a new deck would give me a decent sound with my Marantz KI Amp.

 

[chris the bake]

Inspire hi fi are to far away from Wiltshire , where I live. I will talk to audience hi fi in Bath , who are my local Linn dealer.

 

[chris the bake]

With regards to previous posts , has anybody on the forum done a comparison between a basic Linn LP12 and a clearaudio concept deck ?. I know I should go and listen myself but this means travelling into Bristol . Any opinion on the quality of sound you get with a Clearaudio concept would be Helpful.