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Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?

71.161.86.116
Posted on January 19, 2017 at 19:40:33
RHerring
Audiophile

Posts: 10
Joined: January 19, 2017



I recently inherited a trove of additional LPs (mostly jazz) and have seriously ramped up how much I've been listening to my fairly modest system:

Linn LP12 with Ittok LVII and Madrigal Carnegie One cartridge (MC)
Linn LK1 Preamp
British Fidelity P170 Amp
Celestion SL600 speakers

FWIW, the above set-up still sounds pretty decent to me. (Way back when, I did enjoy several years of swapping in various higher end bits, but in the end decided the more modest set-up was plenty good enough.)

Nevertheless, 30 years down the road and I can't help wondering about technology advances and likely listening improvements to my system from a new... something.

I'm certain everything could be improved, but am most interested in suggestions for what you'd upgrade first... speakers? preamp? amp? TT? cartridge? Budget-wise, it would be great to stay under $3k. Thanks for any thoughts.






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Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

 

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upgrade to a sub, posted on January 19, 2017 at 19:52:33
hifitommy
Audiophile

Posts: 15388
Location: canyon country califiornia, orig from buffalo ny
Joined: June 9, 2000
 the rythmiks are priced right and are damned good.
...regards...tr

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 19, 2017 at 20:08:21
Blackdog
Manufacturer

Posts: 1505
Location: Ontario
Joined: March 20, 2006
 Your front end is quite good, and unless you're a bass head, the speakers will take a bit to improve. Your amp on the other hand was never a great amp and now it's 30 years old. Biggest improvement you can make is a better amp. From there look at the speakers.
Dan Santoni

 

Amp then Lin Preamp, posted on January 19, 2017 at 20:49:50
Stale
Audiophile

Posts: 3263
Location: So. California
Joined: August 3, 2001
 That was never anything but mediocre amp. I would go with low powered Nytech, Naim, Crimson.
That assuming that speakers are OK. Suspension can go bad.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane."

 

I like subwoofers, too..., posted on January 19, 2017 at 20:51:07
John Elison
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Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 I recently replaced my old Cambridge Soundworks subs with some new Rythmik servo subs and the improvement was very welcome and quite noticeable. Rythmik servo subs are definitely the way to go. They have really tight clean bass as a result of the servo system.

It's interesting the way you have your system set up on the diagonal. I have mine set up the same way.


 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 19, 2017 at 21:25:34
flood2
Audiophile

Posts: 2558
Joined: January 11, 2011
 Given the age of your system, the capacitors in your equipment would definitely be requiring replacement to bring the equipment back to original specification. That being said, the amp and speakers would be the things I would consider rather than adding to what you currently have (with subwoofers as has been suggested). Remember that subwoofers will most likely be mainly reproducing the subsonic resonances from your turntable. LPs do not contain significant recorded energy below 30Hz so unless you are listening to organ music or club 12"s I personally consider them the lowest priority.
A correctly integrated sub should not be "heard" until your speakers are being asked to reproduce tones below the cutoff of your Celestions . It should only extend lower so if the bass is noticeably "fatter" you probably have it too high in gain.
If your budget is $3k I would consider a NAD C275 power amp and MartinLogan 60XTs which neatly fit within your budget.
Regards Anthony

"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 19, 2017 at 22:07:01
13th Duke of Wymbourne
Audiophile

Posts: 2800
Location: Orange Co., Ca
Joined: September 19, 2001
 That system takes me back!
The LP12 has endless upgrading opportunities and Linn always used to say start with the turntable and work towards the speakers (not sure I agree with that these days, maybe Linn don't either). The SL600s were highly regarded in their day.
My suggestion is a Cirkus suspension upgrade (comes with a new bearing), a new motor and a Lingo motor controller.

Perhaps, this is a great question to pose on Linn's LP12 forum.

Regards
13DoW

 

+1 and rebuild the crossover in the Deletions nt, posted on January 19, 2017 at 22:16:48
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 02:45:18
PAR
 I am going to disagree with everyone so far here.

Until you have decided exactly what you don't like about the sound that you have now then don't change a thing. Otherwise you will be spending money in a random fashion with a hope that it will be "better". It could just as easily be worse if you are unsure what you are aiming for.

Only when you have decided on your target e.g. better bass/mid/treble/soundstaging etc.etc. should you start worrying about any changes.

In fact at the moment you are saying that it still sounds pretty good to you. That seems to be a better position than many folk here appear to have achieved after spending $$$. So why upset the apple cart?

I would only check that the stylus on your elderly cartridge is not worn as this will damage your discs. Maybe have your Linn serviced too as they do require periodic maintenance. Only a service BTW, not upgrades unless they can be demonstrated to you as actual improvements.

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 03:59:42
vinnie2
Audiophile

Posts: 4481
Location: North Carolina
Joined: September 28, 2013
 If it ain't broke, don't fix it! New stylus, and service the TT. Then listen a while. Maybe new caps where needed.

 

"FWIW, the above set-up still sounds pretty decent to me.", posted on January 20, 2017 at 04:24:37
volunteer
Audiophile

Posts: 5666
Location: Louisville, KY
Joined: January 7, 2012
 Enjoy the music or chase your tail.


-Wendell

 

RE: "FWIW, the above set-up still sounds pretty decent to me.", posted on January 20, 2017 at 04:45:09
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 If you do change your amp consider one with plenty of power, as the Celesions respond best to high current amps.

Outside of this, I would go for a sub to fill the bottom octave in.

That's a nice system......enjoy.

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 05:16:55
sjg
Audiophile

Posts: 738
Location: Boston
Joined: April 8, 2004
 Hi, on the LP12, there are a couple things I'd reccomend but I don't know how that fits in with your overall setup and priorities.

The newer corner braced wood plinths have a more neutral sound. I upgraded from an mid-late 80s era LP12 with Vahalla power board and un braced plinth to a 90s era LP12 with the corner bracing and separate Linto Power supply and really liked the difference in sound. More neutral and tighter bass. Of course you may have other priorities given the whole system but this is the upgrade I'd recommend on the LP12.

 

+uno...N/T, posted on January 20, 2017 at 05:46:31
musetap
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Posts: 31879
Location: San Francisco
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Contributor
  Since: January 28, 2004
 aa
"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination"-Michael McClure



 

RE: I like subwoofers, too..., posted on January 20, 2017 at 07:10:44
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 Your turntable is a table that will, and can, last a lifetime and be of great enjoyment, with endless upgrades possible. Therefore, that is a keeper!

Your speakers are also very special and you would need to spend much more to get more, which may or may not be worth it for you.

I have a pair of the SL6s and they are in my office system. I bought them a year ago because I always longed for a pair and the price was right. Being a tinkerer I upgraded the internal wiring and caps. I like the the mod and feel that it has slightly improved the speakers, whose caps were most likely out of spec due to age. Others have reported that if you change out the caps you search for the same type caps as these speakers were voiced with the OEM in mind. Again, I found that wasn't true in my case.

Your speakers are first generation with the cooper dome. Some folks really long for these, while others felt they were a bit too soft on top. Ultimately, Celestion changed to aluminum dome for the next generations, which help with a bit more extension up top.

If you go for a new amp, try it out to make sure it gives you the balance you like. A solid state amp should work better than tubes, although I did enjoy mine with a pair of Rogue M120's running at 120 watts.

In regards to the above, I used the Celestion at home during a transition from a highly modded pair of Maggie MGIIIa's to JM Labs Micro Utopia's. During the month long transition I enjoyed the Celestion and found them very engaging. Sure, the other two mentioned speakers pretty much beat them in every way but on a whole the Celestion performed nicely and never made any recording sound bad. Well, you have had them for 30 years so you know what you have!

I did use a pair of subs with the Celestions and found that it did help out with the missing last, low octave. But during late night, low volume listening I ran them sans subs and they were delightful!.

So, I can heartily recommend that your table and speakers are desirable and very good performers that can be enhanced with upgrade elsewhere in your system. Knowing this, and if this were my system, I would add a sub and try a new amp. Heck, you might as well try a new pre-amp too or an all in one integrated but don't buy without in home audition to see if it matters to you.

I'm pretty sure that the sub will prove to be a noticeable and worthwhile investment and more risk can be applied there.

Also, your cartridge is another very special product. If it has not been retipped or checked out recently it should. It is certainly worth keeping and retipping. It has a very special cantilever, so look at a retip. It will cost more but should be worth it. I've had excellent results using Soundsmith.

I've used the arm you are using and it is better than most give it credit. Some might suggest a new arm, I would agree, but the difference may or may not matter to you and can be looked at down the road. I think for your system it is a good match.

I'm not familiar with your preamp and can't comment on it's sound but I've found that the preamp and phono section can play a very large part in overall sound. If it gives you what you like, then you are set but don't be afraid to try something else but, again, try before buying.

I would keep the table and speakers and act on the following:

1) Check stylus
2) Add sub
3) Consider amp
4) Consider preamp

 

RE: Amp then Lin Preamp, posted on January 20, 2017 at 07:25:03
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 The suspension on the first generation Celestion were less prone to problems compared to the later that used two different materials. His are first generations.

 

Re-tip. re-Cap, tune up the table and add a Sub ..., posted on January 20, 2017 at 07:29:12
reelsmith.
Audiophile

Posts: 13134
Location: CT
Joined: June 7, 2005
Contributor
  Since: January 19, 2010
 ...that's all I'd do.

No downside of experimentation with new components and finding that synergy you enjoy now.

Dean.




reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.


 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 07:49:37
Crazy Dave
Audiophile

Posts: 14371
Location: East Coast
Joined: October 4, 2001
 The old plinths are so beautiful. (have one) I wonder if they can be upgraded.

Dave

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 07:53:39
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 Yes, they can.

 

I just bought a newer tt, posted on January 20, 2017 at 10:39:10
sjg
Audiophile

Posts: 738
Location: Boston
Joined: April 8, 2004
 to avoid doing surgery.

Mine is in Afromosia with the ridges and corner bracing. It looks v. similar to my 80s tt.

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 12:19:33
AudioSoul
Audiophile

Posts: 4594
Location: north central AZ
Joined: July 9, 2005
I would start with the turntable and cart. Isn't that the Linn mantra, it all starts with the turntable in importance? Make sure they both are up to spec. Honestly I wouldn't change any of the other pieces. You have a great system. You don't want to start down the rabbit trail of component swapping....

 

Linn Krystal + used Linto + tune-up = 3K..., posted on January 20, 2017 at 16:53:41
kuma
Audiophile

Posts: 10274
Location: IN
Joined: July 8, 2001
 ...assuming your arm is in a good shape.

But the most critical thing is a tune up if you haven't serviced your table for 30 years.

Linn has made many updates during that time, and you could say it was a 'technologial advancement' but it's too $$$ for what you get. Your Linn will sound essentially still a Linn.

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 21:35:04
RHerring
Audiophile

Posts: 10
Joined: January 19, 2017
 OP here again. Wow, extremely helpful input - thank you everyone.

Many good suggestions and I also appreciate the ones to do nothing and avoid being pulled back into component swapping. (Made me think of the godfather: "Just when I thought I was out..." (link below))

Anyway, I definitely drank the Linn kool-aid on this system. "Start with the turntable," so, at the very least, servicing the Linn and cartridge are great suggestions. Need to do some Linn dealer research (many seem to have closed and none are close by) and possibly get a new shipping box. I've never removed/remounted the cartridge from/to the tonearm myself either. (more research for me.) Thanks as well by the way for the approx cost on some potential Linn upgrades (more $ than I'd have thought.)

On the amp, fully agreed it's likely the biggest question mark - I could never find any reviews, but at least it says "British" on it (ha!) FWIW, my recollection from listening comparisons way back when is that I had a much easier time discerning clear differences / preferences between speakers than pre-amps or amps. Nevertheless, replacing the amp first does seem a logical choice (even if my past bias is to expect a minimal difference - I'm glad to be wrong.)

On the preamp, glad that it seems lower priority than the amp.

On the speakers, I never tried the Celestions with subwoofers. They've always sounded pretty good to me on their own (even somewhat holographic on the right recordings.) Their main tradeoff (to me) is the minimal size, so compared to full size floorstanding models I also tried, I've always thought of them as "smaller" sounding (instruments/soundstage/etc/perhaps just my imagination?) I don't believe I listen to music at very loud levels, but I do wonder if I turn up the Celestions volume more than I would a larger speaker, just to try to make the soundstage bigger.

Apart from the individual component thoughts was also the fair question - what don't I like about the current sound? Well, having a larger soundstage and more "palpable presence" would be excellent improvements to a system that already sounds pretty decent to me. However, those goals seem like a pretty big ask for 3 grand (!) Would you expect spending all on a new amp alone to make a noticeable improvement on that front? Or perhaps better to get larger speakers plus more modest amp? Of course, doing nothing but the servicing is still an option too.. Thank again for all the input.




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Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 21:57:55
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 Subs increase the soundstage but you are right, the height is a problem with these. BTW, I found that 20 inch stands work best with these and not the recommended 16 inch.

If you want a big life size sound stage buy a pair of Maggie MG 1.7's.

Tuning up your table is not magic that only a Linn dealer can perform. Read up on it and you can do it yourself. Getting your cartridge checked is a service that needs to be left to a professional.

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 22:39:04
DominicPorter
Audiophile

Posts: 20
Location: Montreal
Joined: August 9, 2016
 If you do get the cart serviced, let us know how it goes. I have the same one and I understand VanDenHul refuses to do them because the cantilever is pretty unique and the body is difficult to disassemble.

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 21, 2017 at 11:23:37
mr.bear
Audiophile

Posts: 4167
Joined: November 13, 2001
 That system is a PEACH!! -- from the Golden Age when there was only vinyl and it *had* to sound good playing records. I mean there is no compromise with digital sources inherent in its design, the kind of compromises that force trade-offs in the vinyl performance.

I have a system almost entirely based on equipment from the Golden Age and I just keep cleaning it, polishing it and repairing it (very infrequently!) and swapping cartridges occasionally. You are positioned to do the same, allowing you to spend the money you save thereby on records!

If there's a limiting performer in your system it's possibly the Musical Fidelity amp. Its uses some antiquated op-amps and the output devices are probably obsolete. I found in the dim past that small Celestions benefit from a lot of current and I'd consider maybe a Parasound Halo, the little one is under $1G brand new.

I've owned large and small Celestions and think a The SL600's are gems. I loved their sound (back in 'de day) and the image they throw is so solid. They are a bit polite, but are voiced so nicely for LP's. With a sub in a small-ish room you could get spectacular sound. They might not be happy in a big room.

I'd take the TT to some trustworthy expert dudes and give them a blank check to clean, repair and adjust it, and look at the diamond. If the diamond is worn, send it to Soundsmith. You probably can't touch the performance of one of these (if its in good shape) for under maybe 600-700 bux my friend. That, plus it has Mark Levinson magic [I say that sincerely- the guy had an ear].

Subwoofer? That will require some fancy interconnects and will take time and involve frustration to adjust and incorporate it. The improvement will likely blow you way, but study up and give it time to get adjusted. It needs to be a very "musical" sub, not giant powerhouse. I use a (obsolete) Focal "Cobalt" 800 and it sings sweetly with my "vintage" Thiels.

Just one Bear's rambling opinions... good luck.


 

Room treatments, posted on January 21, 2017 at 15:22:41
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37673
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 Acres of bare walls do not provide optimal results.

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 21, 2017 at 19:37:07
SoundMann
Audiophile

Posts: 588
Joined: October 21, 2015
 Now that others have weighed in, I have to ask if you find your system to be adequately musical and engaging?

If so, then I would be very hesitant to change a thing.

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 22, 2017 at 02:20:09
Yeti42
Audiophile

Posts: 161
Location: Berkshire
Joined: July 12, 2010
 Looks like you could do with a record rack while you're at it.
After 30 years that cartridge will have stiffened up a bit and/or be worn out.
Get the Linn serviced.
Get the Linn sorted first then reassess whether the rest is good enough.

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 22, 2017 at 15:31:54
RHerring
Audiophile

Posts: 10
Joined: January 19, 2017
 Thanks for all the additional thoughts.

Yes, to me, the system sounds musical and engaging (in a modest way.) Truthfully, I kind of forgot how it sounded and had a long stretch of playing records only sporadically. However, the new pile of records recently received was kind of a sneak attack eye-(re)opener... I started playing LPs in the background just to see what I had but not really listening critically. Then, after several records, a track came on that I liked and I turned it up and I recall thinking, wow that sound is pretty good(!) So I started paying attention and appreciating the sound again. Eventually it occurred to me that this thing is 30 years old (hence my original query.)

The system makes me want to play more records. I like its relative simplicity but I'd also like to try several of the improvement suggestions above. In particular, the specific component ideas are very helpful (NAD C275, Rythmiks, even potentially Magnepan 1.7i)

Apart from TT/cartridge servicing, the amp seems like the most recommended swap, so I'm thinking about an amp demo (or two?)

My SL600 documentation (still have the box!) claims sensitivity = 82dB SPL, impedance = 8 ohms, and a required amplifier of 35-120 watts. My potential demo list so far: NAD C275 or NAD M22 or Benchmark AHB2. (The last 2 both cost the total amount I thought I'd be willing to spend - amazing how that works out(!)) Any other suggestions welcome.

Also found a frequency response chart for each speaker in the box (pic below), presumably this would help with possible future subwoofer choice/ settings?









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Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 22, 2017 at 22:04:40
RHerring
Audiophile

Posts: 10
Joined: January 19, 2017
 Also wanted to say thanks so much for posting the link to the Linn LP12 forum. I've finally had a chance to read through some of the LP12 upgrade discussions over there.

First Takeaway: there's a 32 page DIY LP12 set-up thread (set as a sticky) which seems really useful (still working through it)

Second Takeaway: Many seem to feel the latest Linn upgrades are must haves, as they are far superior to my way back version (or so they say.) Near as I can tell, the recommendations I should consider are, in the following order:

1) "Radikal" external power supply (includes new DC motor) US$4250
plus, ideally, one of two possible sub-chassis upgrades

2a) "Keel" (single piece machined aluminum subchassis/armboard/collar) $3250
or
2b) "Cirkus" (upgraded bearing, armboard, plus more) $750



(Also, I think Linn still says to start with the turntable...)

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Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

 

RE: Linn system, 30 years old - what would you upgrade first?, posted on January 23, 2017 at 03:02:35
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 The frequency chart does not indicate what db scale they are using.

So, the Linn forum is recommending $8000 in upgrades. That's is not upgrades but rather a new table and, imo, not money spent wisely. If you want to experiment with your table, I suggest DIY stuff, like dynamat applied to chassis, new arm board and different arm.This you can do for under $700.

As for new bearings and motor, are your current bearings noisy, does your speed drift or are there problems not associated with the belt? If not, stick with what you have and tweak it DIY style.

Prioritize your needs, go slow, and spend wisely.

 

RE: pinging John E..........., posted on January 24, 2017 at 07:39:11
NuWave
Audiophile

Posts: 2619
Location: Wisconsin
Joined: March 22, 2002
 I'm about to build a PH16 as soon as it arrives(hopefully this weekend). Roy said there aren't any labels on it? I see 'Vacuum Tube Audio' on the front of yours, but there's no words for the power button, or for the inputs/outputs on the back? Just curious.

 

RE: pinging John E..........., posted on January 24, 2017 at 09:00:26
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 Roy would be able to provide the most accurate information. I bought the large enclosure with my PH16 and it had all the holes punched and it came with engraved labels.


.
.


 

RE: pinging John E..........., posted on January 24, 2017 at 09:20:59
NuWave
Audiophile

Posts: 2619
Location: Wisconsin
Joined: March 22, 2002
 I asked him, he said 'no labels, all DIY'. I got the 12" version to try and fit side by side next to my preamp in my shelves. I guess I'll have to come up with something.

 

RE: pinging John E..........., posted on January 24, 2017 at 17:45:16
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 Personally, I wouldn't worry about labels. The input connectors are located next to the grounding lug and the connectors have red and white rings around them. Red is always "right." The switch on the front should be oriented so that "On" is up. Regardless, the LED lights when it's turned on.

The main thing is how it sounds. Mine sounds very nice.

Just go slowly and double check everything as you go. Mine worked perfectly the first time.

The only thing I would do differently is wrap the wires tighter. I used an electric drill to wrap the wires very tightly when building my SP14 line stage.

Good luck,
John Elison

Vacuum Tube Audio PH16 Phono Stage


.
.
.
Vacuum Tube Audio SP14 Line Stage


 

RE: I think i might......, posted on January 26, 2017 at 14:35:47
NuWave
Audiophile

Posts: 2619
Location: Wisconsin
Joined: March 22, 2002
 snag your picture as another reference to use when building. I initially had my diodes reversed when I built my Bugle. It's supposed to arrive Tuesday so I likely won't get to it until next weekend. I ordered it stock so it'll have the Electro Harmonix tubes.

 

RE: I think i might......, posted on January 30, 2017 at 00:18:04
kenjijamesfuse@gmail.com
Audiophile

Posts: 37
Location: Victoria, BC
Joined: January 27, 2017
 Doesn't Linn also hustle using their own speakers?

I have a pair of Sara 9s which I adore, and I have been trying to summon the gumption to blow the bucks on an LP12 to see if the synergy is really as good as I have heard.

 

Upgrade update, posted on February 21, 2017 at 11:33:48
RHerring
Audiophile

Posts: 10
Joined: January 19, 2017
 OP here again, just thought I would post an upgrade update so far, based on all your great suggestions.

Linn LP12 service - done - found a Linn specialist that works in a big city but who also has a small repair shop a little less than 150 miles (each way) from me. New springs, grommets, belt, pulled a 1/8" thick plug of "something" (dried oil?)from the bottom of the main bearing where the platter is inserted. His input on the cartridge: 30 years old...should be changed (collapsed suspension, sound not what it was, etc.) Decided to hold off on other Linn LP12 upgrades for now.

Replaced cartridge - first time I ever did this myself. Used a Geo-disc to align and the process seemed pretty straightforward. Trickiest bit of the install was that the new cartridge (Hana SL ) weighs just 5 grams and the tonearm counterweight could not be moved inward enough to balance, so I found some Soundmith EZ Mount cartridge screws that add an extra gram or so to the cartridge end... hopefully not a terrible solution? Of course, still not sure whether I aligned 100% correctly (or if tonearm/cartidge compliance are an OK match? or if the tracking force and anti-skate are set correctly) so I've got the HiFi News Analog test LP on the way to see if that tells me anything. Anyway, it's been enjoyable to tinker.

Replaced Electronics - budget definitely went out the window here. New phono stage, new preamp/combined DAC with analog inputs for the TT (can now also plan on some digital inputs as well), new amplifier.

Added Subwoofer(s) - Rythmik F12G. Wow, they do add a lot - did not know how much I was missing.


Overall, the sound definitely seems much improved (hearing more detail on the same records is really enjoyable -- plus, the addition of all that low end is great.) The system now seems much better suited to integrate digital as well.


Now that I am hearing so much more though, I am realizing that I do have another wish - is there a way to hear just as much detail at a lower volume level? (Perhaps I will ask this question in the speaker forum..)

Anyway, thanks again everyone. Please let me know any other further thoughts or suggestions. Photo of the current system below. Not sure if this new set-up can last another 30 years, but it would be nice! (Also, I still have some time to return items if anyone thinks I've made some poor choices.)








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Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

 

RE: Upgrade update, posted on February 21, 2017 at 18:37:55
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 You might try placing your table away from your sub or vise versa. Often times loading a corner with the sub can give great results. Having the sub so close to your tonearm and table is a recipe for disaster.

Move them around and experiment. Some software can help with set up or at least a test disc and a db meter can get you there.

 

RE: Upgrade update, posted on February 24, 2017 at 17:41:40
RHerring
Audiophile

Posts: 10
Joined: January 19, 2017
 Good suggestion on moving the subs.
Somewhere in my reading about the Rythmiks, I came across a recommendation for a CD from Soundoctor.com and today I went through the initial steps (and suggested audio tracks) to re-locate the subs and tweak the dials, as well as to slightly reposition and aim the monitors. Surprised at how noticeable the improvements were to the sound (improved clarity, more cohesive bass, better imaging.) Enjoyable to get better sounding music from the same components in the system.

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Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

 

RE: Upgrade update, posted on February 25, 2017 at 06:21:26
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 BTW, I reading dig your system. classic and tasteful.

 

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