Linn Sondek LP12 with Ekos arm and Troika cartridge Launch year 1972 Company Linn Products Website The Linn Sondek LP12 (often shortened to Sondek or LP12) is a highly regarded transcription produced by -based, manufacturers of hi-fi,, and multi-room audio systems. Its name is derived from the 12' vinyl LP (long play ). Hi-Fi Choice reviewers voted the LP12 'the most important hi-fi component ever sold in the UK' and The Absolute Sound ranked it the second most significant turntable of all time in 2011. With its iconic success, Linn named their flagship CD player the Sondek CD12.

History The Sondek LP12 turntable, introduced in 1972, utilises a suspended sub-chassis design and a patented tightly-toleranced single-point. The LP12 has evolved since its introduction, but its basic suspended sub-chassis design has remained. At the time, the design was similar to the Ariston RD11 and the TD150, both in turn based on the Acoustic Research XA turntable that was launched in 1961. The XA was created by renowned audio pioneer. The three-point 'suspended sub-chassis' of the XA, using a compression spring system, was much improved upon and popularised in the LP12. The similarities between the LP12 and the Ariston RD11 resulted in a patent case: Ariston vs. Linn, or more correctly, Fergus Fons Ltd, Hamish Robertson vs.

Aug 23, 2014. Linn Ekos SE Tone arm. Serial number 10414 built March 2007. In excellent condition with only tiny headshell marks from cartridge bolts and the usual.

Ivor Tiefenbrun. In 1972, the late Jack Yan Tiefenbrun filed a pair of provisional patent specifications for a simple point-contact bearing, and followed them up in June 1973 with a complete specification claiming 'improvements in, or relating to, gramophone record playing apparatus'. The application was accepted by the British Patent Office and published as BP1394611. In May 1975, following the publication of the Tiefenbrun patent, an opposition was lodged by turntable manufacturer Fergus Fons Ltd and the late William James Hamish Robertson. The patent was opposed on various grounds, including that 'what was being claimed as new, was in fact old', and that the idea was 'lacking in inventive step' over what was already known. A further ground of opposition was that the invention had been 'obtained' from Hamish Robertson, and was his original idea rather than that of Jack Tiefenbrun. Jack Tiefenbrun had formed Castle Precision Engineering (Glasgow) Ltd some 15 years earlier.

Hamish Robertson had a company called Thermac in 1967, which became Ariston in 1970, and Ariston Audio in 1973. In 1970 Jack's son Ivor formed a friendship with Hamish. In 1971 Ivor made a prototype turntable with a ball bearing, and then went to Israel. While Ivor was away, Jack and Hamish changed the ball bearing to a single point bearing. Robertson's company Thermac then ordered forty of the turntables from Castle Precision Engineering Ltd. In 1971, and now operating as Ariston, Hamish showed the turntable under the model name RD11 at the Harrogate show, and set up a distribution network with C.

Walker and Company. By the end of 1972 relations between Robertson and the Tiefenbruns had broken down. This allegedly led to a threat to Robertson that a copyright action would be brought against him if he had the RD11 turntable made elsewhere than at Castle Precision Engineering. In February 1973 Linn Products Ltd was formed to sell turntables made by Castle Precision Engineering.

Robertson left Ariston, which by now had been taken over by Dunlop Westayr Ltd, and became director Fergus Fons Ltd. In the end The Robertsons’ opposition to the Tiefenbrun patent was rejected. The thinking at the time was that the most important component of a high-end audio system is the loudspeakers. Linn presented an important challenge to that by claiming that the source (i.e. The turntable) was the most important part of the system. Has talked about how Sondek derives from the word Soundex as each hi-fi design always ends up having its own unique identifiable and recognisable sound.

Some report the original name was just Sondek without the LP12. “ Linn didn't invent the turntable, we simply understood that there was more information on an LP record than people were capable of accessing, so we applied our understanding of engineering to extracting it. Ivor Tiefenbrun, 2007 ” Early versions were a platform for mounting third party tonearms, had a basic power supply arrangements, and would only revolve at 33⅓ rpm. Those users requiring a 45 rpm option would have to purchase a special adaptor to increase the diameter of the motor pulley and platter speed accordingly.

Throughout the years, there have been many changes resulting from development efforts to improve this table. These changes include modifications to components such as the subplatter and bearing, rubber feet, baseboard, armboard, suspension springs and grommets and reinforced plinth. A much improved on-board PSU, the Valhalla, was marketed as an upgrade option. Later, external power supplies became de rigueur firstly with the introduction of the Linn Lingo, and later the Radikal.

The LP12 working with a Linn Ekos tonearm Partnered tonearms and power supplies Like most turntable units, many options to partner the LP12 are available (including Linn's own) for tonearms, cartridges and, to a much lesser extent, power supplies. Although Linn constantly espouses the virtues of a 'pure' Linn system, and there is much talked about synergies with other Linn components, the LP12 user has the option of a number of third party options. Before the existence of Linn-branded tonearms, Linn was the importer for Grace, and used their 707 tonearm. The Sumiko tonearm and later the Mission 774 arm were also popular choices and much spoken of. The first Linn-badged arm, the Ittok LVII, was in production 1979-93. A 3-point-mounted arm with a large-bore arm tube designed and manufactured in Japan.

It was gradually superseded by the Ekos. A budget arm, the Basik LVX, was produced from 1983 to 1986, and replaced by the Akito. For today's demanding audiophile, LP12 is commonly partnered with the Linn Ekos SE tonearm; the unipivot ARO tonearm from is also very popular.

External power options include Linn's own top of the line Radikal power supply featuring an auto-calibrating speed management system; Naim Audio manufactures the Armageddon power supply for the LP12, based on its own Hi-Cap power supply unit. Linn were distributors for Grace and Supex Corporation at the time, and thus the Grace G-707 tone arm and Supex SD900 and SD1000 phono cartridges were also frequently partners for the deck. Early Linn-branded cartridges, such as the Asak and Asaka, and the 3-point mounted Troika (now discontinued), were produced by Supex for Linn. Linn's later subcontracted cartridge manufacture to Lyra Corporation in Japan. Paul Messenger, writing in Stereophile, credits Linn's endorsement and importation of the Supex brand for the resurgence of audiophile interest in moving coil cartridges. Naim Audio manufactured the Linn-branded head amplifier (phono amplifier), the Linnk.

Linn today manufacturers the Uphorik ('euphoric'), and Urika ('eureka') phono pre-amplifier that can be powered by the Radikal. Linn capitalised on the success of the Sondek LP12 by introducing the more affordable Basik and Axis turntables, complementary tonearms for the Sondek and at different price points. Popularity The LP12 is popular with many audiophiles around the world for its excellent ability to play music with 'pace, rhythm and timing'. It is sometimes used by hi-fi reviewers as a reference turntable. “ It’s impossible to imagine the high-end industry without the LP12'.

” — Robert Harley It was at its most popular in the golden age of vinyl playback, principally the 1970s through to the 1980s. David Thompson, writing in Record Collector News, said that the LP12 enjoyed a 'stranglehold on the qualities of LP reproduction for many years'. Its closest competitors were probably the, the Well Tempered Table, several Thorens decks (TD125/126, TD160, TD2001/3001). The Michell GyroDec, the Dunlop Systemdek, the Logic DM-101 and the PT1. However, the LP12 outsold them all in the United Kingdom. In fact, TNT asserts that 'most foreign manufacturers of hi-end turntables didn't even bother to import' because they were faced with an uphill fight.

Critics and reviewers would all too frequently conclude of any imported competitor that 'an LP12 is better and you could buy two Linn's [ ] for that money'. The LP12 has acquired such cult status amongst audiophile turntables that many seek to knock it off its pedestal. Although the design has not been fundamentally revisited, there have been improvements to the turntable's design since its launch using advances in material science, over 40 years ago. It remains possible to buy a Sondek LP12 in a configuration not dissimilar to one made in 1973.

In 2004, Stereophile said it was 'a classic, a revolutionary, an iconoclast, a survivor.' In 2011, ranking the LP12 the second 'Most Significant Turntables of All Time' for The Absolute Sound, Robert Harley said: 'It’s impossible to imagine the high-end industry without the LP12'.

Product history Changes thereto are elaborated below. Related serial numbers in square brackets • 1972, LP12 turntable introduced. • 1974, Main bearing liner changed. Sub-chassis strengthened by addition of strap, spot welded in place. Motor control circuit changed from terminal strip to small. Mains switch changed from two buttons to single with mains neon. [s/n 2,000] • 1978, Top plate modified adding two holes for 6 x 0.5 self tappers into wood block.

[23,000] • 1979, Lid prop removed, hinges changed to spring loading. [27,000] • 1981, February. Nirvana mechanical components. [32,826] • 1982, May. Valhalla crystal-driven electronic power supply made standard.

[38,794] • 1984, Enlarged plinth corner bracing. [53,000] • 1984, June. Sub-chassis strengthening bar epoxy glued instead of spot welded. [54,101] • 1985, August. Cap head screws on bearing housing.

[60,383] • 1985, September. Diode modification to Valhalla board [61,090] • 1985, December.

Strengthening blocks on corners of plinth. New clear lid. • 1986, Suspension springs improved. • 1987, March. New bearing housing, New Formica and MDF armboard. [69,161] • 1987, April. [69,591] • 1987, Bearing improved with better lining material and tighter tolerances.

Change to black oil. Suspension springs ground to improved tolerance. Arm board composition improved. [70,000] • 1989, Motor thrust pad changed. Valhalla surge guard modification.

PCB mains lead (UK). [79,700] • 1989, New armboard, laminated top and bottom. [79,160] • 1989, Harder suspension grommets fitted. [81,000] • 1990, External Lingo power supply available as add-on. • 1991, motor thrust pad cap added to Lingo models. [87,047] • 1991, Valhalla board prototype with 45RPM (never went into production, codename 'Wakonda') [87,047] • 1991, motor thrust pad cap added to Valhalla models.

[87,206] • 1991, Introduction of LP12 Basik, a stripped down version of the turntable [87,672] • 1991, Solid base board replaces hardboard. [87,672] • 1991, Trampolin base board with isolating feet available as an option [87,672]. • 1992, Improved top plate fixing.

[88,950] • 1993, Cirkus upgrade (larger and better machined inner platter and new bearing, new springs, armboard, belt) fitted as standard. [90,582] • 1997, a limited edition commemorative LP12 was created to mark the 25th anniversary of the LP12. Amongst other features, it bears a plaque etched with the signature of Linn's founder. • 2000, 4th bolt added near motor on top plate, fitted as standard.

Required extra cross beam on plinth. • 2001, New motor used (first new motor since original 1972). • 2002, Maple plinth introduced adding to existing black, walnut, rosewood and afromosia options. • 2013, Full-spec limited-edition (40 in all) 40th anniversary LP12, plinth made from oak casks from, priced at £25,000. Important upgrades ( in chronological order) Lingo Power Supply ( Introduced: 1990) Linn describes the LINGO as a 'high precision, direct coupled, power supply designed to sit alongside the LP12 turntable'.

Asus Acpi Ite8707 Driver Windows 7. Prior to the Lingo, speed accuracy for 33 rpm (and 45 rpm) rotation was determined by the Valhalla power supply board. The Lingo generates two 50 Hz which it amplifies and sends to the turntable motor – the Valhalla generates a single sine wave. Using crystal oscillators, one for 33⅓ rpm and one for 45 rpm. The two speeds are made possible. When depressed, the switch on the turntable supplies the start-up torque with which the deck's desired rotation speed is achieved. The switch on the turntable allows selection of the appropriate oscillator the output of which is fed into a synchronous counter to produce a 50 Hz or 67.5 Hz square wave for 33⅓ rpm and 45 rpm respectively.

The square wave is filtered into a clean sine wave to minimise motor vibration, and amplified to 120V to feed the turntable. The Cirkus upgrade ( Introduced: 1993) The Cirkus kit aims to provide the LP12 with greater stability and ensure the bearing sits perfectly true to the chassis, through a redesigned bearing and stronger sub-chassis assembly. The bearing housing height has been increased to improve lubrication; its mounting flange thickness has been substantially increased; the geometry of the top and bottom liners in the bearing housing has been altered to further reduce incidence of rocking. Thickness of the sub-chassis was doubled to improve rigidity, reduce flexing and improve control of the relationship between turntable platter and arm. With the new bearing comes a new sub-platter. Keel ( Introduced: 2006) The Keel upgrade to the LP12 is a replacement subchassis, machined from solid aluminium. It builds on the Cirkus upgrade (now fitted as standard to new LP12s) but is not included as standard in 'regular' production LP12s.

Linn claims that the Keel is an application of its 'close-tolerance aluminium machining', first seen in the ingot casing of the Sondek CD12 CD player. The Keel, along with the Ekos SE tonearm and Trampolin Mk.2 were three Special Edition upgrades for the turntable's 33⅓ birthday, 33⅓ being the standard rotational speed when playing LPs. Trampolin Mark 2 ( Introduced: 2006) The original Trampolin baseboard was made from, rather than, incorporating damping feet which were optimised for LP12 to be placed on heavy furniture. The Trampolin II is made from aluminium. Radikal ( Introduced: 2009) The 'Radikal' system, priced at £2,500, comprises a 'control box', DC motor and power supply which, according to Linn, offers more accurate speed control, and reduced vibration and resonance. This is achieved by using on-board speed management system with automatic calibration, and use of a new motor with low magnetic field and electrical noise, located within a machined housing. It can be used to power the Urika phono amplifier or the Linn phonostage mounted inside the turntable.

Recognition • Named No. 1 of 'The Hot 100 Products, 2002' by Stereophile. • Named '2004 Analogue source component of the year' by Stereophile. • In May 2006, Hi-Fi Choice reviewers voted the LP12 'the most important hi-fi components ever sold in the UK'. • Named '2007 Analogue source component of the year' by Stereophile.

• In 2011, The Absolute Sound named the LP12 No. 2 in its ranking of 'Most Significant Turntables of All Time' References. • Greenberg, Corey (1 December 1993).. Stereophile •, Hi-fi Choice, 20 July 2006 •.

The Absolute Sound (TAS 216) • Lander, David (1 November 2001). •, Michael Fremer,, November 2003 • Hi-Fi News & Record Review, Vol.

2, February 1973 •, David Price, Hi-Fi World Magazine • Gregory, Roy (23 October 2009).. HiFi-Plus, Issue 68 •. Positive Feedback (2002) • Wes Phillips, 'Linn's Klimax DS', Stereophile, 16 September 2007 • Harrison, Andrew (March 2009).. Hi-fi World • Quaschik, Hartmut (September 2004).. Archived from on 13 January 2012. • Messenger, Paul (4 January 2004)..

Stereophile •, Paul Szabady, Stereo Times, November 2001 • Thompson, David (December 2013).. Record Collector News •.

Archived from on 13 January 2012. • Sircom, Alan (2 July 2013)..

Hi-Fi+ • Husband, Geoff (November 2002)., TNT Audio. Archived from on 11 July 2013. •, Marc Mickelson, Soundstage.com, November 1999 •, Analogue Addicts. Retrieved 28 April 2006 • Sircom, Alan (23 September 2013), Hi-fi Plus. • Atkinson, John (10 January 1991)., Stereophile •, Vinyl Engine, 3 May 2002 • neilmcbride.co.uk •, What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, 27 April 2009 • Dudley, Art (30 June 2011)..

Stereophile •, John Atkinson, Stereophile, November 2002 •, Stereophile, 2004 •, Hi-fi Choice, 20 July 2006 •, Stereophile, December 2007 External links • • Gresland, Antoine (July 2009), EcoutezVoir (French).

I'd be very grateful if someone could confirm whether or not the Ekos SE has its serial number located in the same place as the Ekos I and Ekos II (i.e. As per my old Ekos below, underneath the arm rest): Also -- if anyone knows what range of serial numbers are applicable to the Ekos SE that info would also be appreciated. Cheers, LP12 (1988 Fluted Afromosia) Ekos SE ESC Arkiv-B Lingo Linto SneakyDS ReadyNAS Duo Twonky 6.0.34 Kinksy Renew KK 5125s Keltik + Klimax Aktiv Crossovers (main) 5103 5125s Centrik Mk 1 Tukan (Aktiv surround). (2009-10-13 01:26)Willi Murray Wrote: I'd be very grateful if someone could confirm whether or not the Ekos SE has its serial number located in the same place as the Ekos I and Ekos II (i.e. As per my old Ekos below, underneath the arm rest): Also -- if anyone knows what range of serial numbers are applicable to the Ekos SE that info would also be appreciated. Cheers, Out of curiosity, why? Vic Ivor's 'Tune-Dem Seminar' Alumni Main: AK-0/ADS-0/2250/AV5125/AV5140s/Rythmik Audio F12SE Sub/Furman Elite 15i PF Linear Filter Cave: LP12/Ittok LV-II/Arkiv/Lingo/Sonos ZP90/PS Audio DL III DAC/Wakonda/LK140/Katans Spares: 2250/Cyrus One/Rega Kytes.

(2009-10-13 02:34)vicdiaz Wrote: Out of curiosity, why? I'm genuinely not interested myself but the seller was asking for information about where to find the serial number so I told him where it was on the Ekos I and Ekos II. There doesn't appear to be a serial number in that location on this one. He's going to send me some photos so I should know a bit more later today. Based on our correspondance he does appear to be genuine albeit the circumstances are comewhat curious LP12 (1988 Fluted Afromosia) Ekos SE ESC Arkiv-B Lingo Linto SneakyDS ReadyNAS Duo Twonky 6.0.34 Kinksy Renew KK 5125s Keltik + Klimax Aktiv Crossovers (main) 5103 5125s Centrik Mk 1 Tukan (Aktiv surround). (2009-10-13 09:10)jamesh Wrote: so I assume the serial number is there too, just like it is in your picture.

Not many places they can put it I suppose Seller has posted more pics apparently so just off to have a look. In any case, an Ekos SE with an unknown provenance is not something I'm prepared take a risk on. (2009-10-13 08:45)CJ1045 Wrote: Not that you are watching the 'lost in transit' one at all. No that couldn't be the reason, no sirree Oops missed your post this morning CJ I'm much more interested in the 'other one' and would have snapped it up in an instant if I could but unfortunately need a couple of my freelance work invoices paid before the toy fund goes green LP12 (1988 Fluted Afromosia) Ekos SE ESC Arkiv-B Lingo Linto SneakyDS ReadyNAS Duo Twonky 6.0.34 Kinksy Renew KK 5125s Keltik + Klimax Aktiv Crossovers (main) 5103 5125s Centrik Mk 1 Tukan (Aktiv surround).

The serial number should definitely be in the same place. I took a look at the photos on the auction and the plate on which the serial number is printed has been removed altogether. This plate covers the spring and the bottom of the Bias control knob that you can see in the photos.

It appears that it was rather clumsily removed as the platform it fit into is scratched in several places around the edges which shouldn't have been necessary as the plate is not that hard to remove. I would be pretty leery of this arm as it is hard to say what other mishandling has occurred and Linn is not likely to provide service on it, if needed, since it has no serial number. Also the missing cover keeps dust out of the Bias control part of the arm. I should also note that, at least in the US, Hi-Fi companies sometimes replace defective equipment with new gear instructing that the defective piece should have the serial number removed and be destroyed. LP12SE Movingui • KRadikal • Kandid • Urika • Kremlin • LS-NAS • KRDS • Lejonklou Sagatun Monos & Tundra Mono 2As • JBL 3677s & 4645C Sub • NOKTable • Harmoni Mimer/Tor Racks AV: Pioneer BDP51 BluRay • Akurate Kontrol • 2 LK280 SPARK • 4 Isobarik DMS • 2 DQ1W www.nokturneaudio.com Fine-tuning LP12s since 1978! (2009-10-13 20:08)ThomasOK Wrote: I should also note that, at least in the US, Hi-Fi companies sometimes replace defective equipment with new gear instructing that the defective piece should have the serial number removed and be destroyed.

Interesting you should say that as one of my own lines of speculation, assuming that the lost in transit story is true, was to wonder if it might perhaps have been a return on it's way back to Linn after replacement. Odd that it's missing the T-Kable and the Allen drivers. I should say I've got absolutely no evidence back up that speculation and I've got absolutely no doubt at all that the seller came by it the way he says. It's its history before that that concerns me.

Like I said above this one's not for me. LP12 (1988 Fluted Afromosia) Ekos SE ESC Arkiv-B Lingo Linto SneakyDS ReadyNAS Duo Twonky 6.0.34 Kinksy Renew KK 5125s Keltik + Klimax Aktiv Crossovers (main) 5103 5125s Centrik Mk 1 Tukan (Aktiv surround). Hi The problem with no serial number is that it will be assumed by any retailer or Linn themselves to have been stolen. We wouldn't go near it if it has a mechanical problem in future.Last year I had to turn away a 'customer' who wanted an origional Ekos with no serial number repaired.I enquired out of interest but Linn would not touch it as it could not be tracked during factory work.They felt as I did that the provenance was highly suspect and so I told the guy nicely to look elsewere. When I ran Radford's in Windsor we had a break in and the thieves were instructed to take only Naim equipment.They did the same to another dealer in Kingston.They must have had a very tidy haul of 30 or more items in total.15 or so years later all of that stolen equipment is likely to be out there in service.

As it inevitably changes hands, the new owners will either know and risk the consequences or naively imagine that box they are buying is 'employee built'. Colin Macey WYSAH Beaconsfield. WYSAH Beaconsfield. Www.whatyouseeandhear.com www.wysah. Telemecanique Altivar 08 Manual English on this page. com 00.

Email colin@wysah.com.