LINN SONDEK LP12

Second-hand. In excellent conditions. No signs of wear. Without original packaging, comes with Linn EKOS tonearm, Linn AKIVA cartridge. Linn LINGO external power supply is in excellent condition and comes with its original packaging and manual. The Linn LINTO phono preamp (optional) is in good condition but does not include its original packaging.

• LP12 base only: €1,500.00
• EKOS tonearm: €1,400.00
• AKIVA cartridge: €800.00
• LINGO power supply: €800.00
• LINTO phono preamp: €450.00

The Linn Sondek LP12 is a modular turntable designed for customization to meet the needs of every enthusiast without compromising sound quality. This philosophy is reflected in the ability to choose between different pre-configured setups, highlighting the potential for exceptional sound reproduction that reveals every hidden detail within the vinyl groove.

Introduced in 1972 by designer Ivor Tiefenbrun, the Sondek LP12 remains a benchmark for vinyl playback to this day. The "source first" concept, theorized by Tiefenbrun at the time, states that if the quality of the signal is compromised at the source during record playback, the rest of the audio chain becomes irrelevant. This approach, initially seen as provocative within the audiophile community, led to the creation of a turntable that, after more than fifty years, continues to be celebrated for its excellence.

The Sondek LP12 features a patented single-point bearing, designed to minimize noise and maximize the retrieval of musical information from the record. The belt-drive system and the combination of high-mass, perfectly balanced inner and outer platters ensure consistent rotational speed—essential for precise, distortion-free playback. The solid wood plinth and stainless steel top plate provide structural rigidity, while the suspended sub-chassis on springs effectively isolates the turntable from external vibrations.

Its design includes a pre-treated wooden outer frame and an AC synchronous motor driving an aluminum alloy sub-platter. The spring-suspended system isolates the sub-platter and tonearm, minimizing motor-induced vibrations and enhancing sound stability. While more complex than unsuspended designs, this approach ensures superior separation of critical components, preventing the motor and platter from sharing the same platform, as seen in some other turntable designs.

Linn LINGO power supply
The Lingo power supply uses a high-quality crystal oscillator to generate a high-frequency signal, which is electronically reduced to 50 Hz (for 33 1/3 rpm) or 67.5 Hz (for 45 rpm). This frequency is then refined and amplified to 120V, powering both phases of the motor. Anyone experienced with an AC synchronous motor turntable, whether powered directly from the mains or through an advanced synthesized power supply, will appreciate the profound impact of the Lingo.

Linn LINTO phono preamp
A direct-coupled, solid-state MC phono preamp with a switching power supply.

The Linn Linto was designed with the primary goal of achieving extremely low noise levels. The minuscule signal from the cartridge is directly coupled to the input transistors of the Linto, bypassing the traditional loading circuit. Linn states that restricting the cartridge voltage in this way adds noise and degrades the signal quality. Additionally, Linn argues that the contacts of the commonly used loading selection switches can generate more voltage than the cartridge itself.

The direct-coupled design of the Linto eliminates the need to apply the cartridge signal to resistors, preventing a significant portion of the delicate signal from being lost as heat. As a result, the Linto delivers much higher resolution, as "every electron is used." Linn also points out that the inherently low output impedances of most cartridges make them "relatively insensitive" to any reasonable loading impedance.

The Linto is therefore designed to maximize fidelity and signal preservation, minimizing interference and optimizing sound quality.

Linn EKOS tonearm
The Ekos is a pivoted tonearm designed, built, and assembled by Linn. It has a minimalist, no-frills design: a straight aluminum tube with a machined and bonded headshell and ultra-low-tolerance bearings. The tracking force and anti-skating are spring-loaded. Like many tonearms prioritizing rigidity over infinite VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) adjustments, the Ekos arm height is set by raising or lowering the support column within the mounting collar and locking it with a set screw.

Similar to SME arms, the Ekos headshell features pins, requiring a set of headshell leads. However, this is not an issue for Linn’s Akiva moving coil cartridge, which comes with its own leads that connect directly to the headshell pins.

Linn AKIVA low-output moving coil cartridge
The three-bolt mounting system (now also adopted by Rega) makes installation and alignment of the rigid alloy Akiva body extremely easy. The Akiva features a ceramic-coated boron cantilever and a line-contact stylus. Its output is 0.4 mV (1 kHz at 3.54 cm/s); Linn recommends loading it with a minimum impedance of 50 ohms and a tracking force between 1.6 and 1.9 grams.

Technical specifications:

Linn Sondek LP12

• Two-speed turntable (33 1/3, 45 rpm), belt-drive, three-point suspended sub-chassis
• Dimensions: 450 mm (W) x 155 mm (H) x 360 mm (D)
• Weight: 13 kg (28.6 lbs)

Linn LINGO

• External power supply for Linn Sondek LP12
• Dimensions: 320 mm (W) x 80 mm (H) x 320 mm (D)
• Weight: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)

Linn LINTO

• Recommended input level: 150uV (high gain), 500uV (low gain)
• Input impedance: 150 ohms (in parallel with 4.7nF)
• Voltage gain: 64dB at 1kHz (high gain), 54dB at 1kHz (low gain)
• Maximum input: 6.7mV at 1kHz (high gain), 19mV at 1kHz (low gain)
• Maximum output: 10.1V p-p at 1kHz
• Power consumption: ~6W/12VA
• Dimensions: 318 mm (W) x 76 mm (H) x 330 mm (D)
• Weight: 1.6 kg

Linn EKOS

• Fixed pivot tonearm, medium mass, with fixed headshell and aluminum tonearm tube

Linn AKIVA

• Low-output moving coil cartridge with line-contact stylus
• Tracking force: 1.6-1.9 gm
• Pin type: "flying wire"
• Recommended load: >50 ohms
• Channel separation: better than 30 dB at 1 kHz
• Channel balance: ±0.5 dB at 1 kHz
• Output: 0.4 mV at 1 kHz at 3.54 cm/s
• Weight: 7.4 gm