Linn Karousel

[vincent]

The Karousel really is very good indeed. More space, depth, detail, solidity – and sheer musicality.

As a Tranquility fan, I was prepared to be disappointed. If anything my expectation bias was negative. One doubt concerned synergy with the TP Stratos. No problems on that score. In my Exakt Urika II system, this is the most significant sq improvement in many years, and definitely the best v.f.m.

I look forward to hearing views of other Tq users who make the switch. The Karousel appears to have received universal acclaim, whereas of course opinion was divided on the benefits of the Tq.

I still think the Tranquility was an excellent upgrade to the Cirkus. For me, the interesting theoretical question remains whether a properly implemented magnetic levitation design would improve the Karousel in a similar fashion, or whether the Tq was correcting a deficiency in the Cirkus bearing which does not exist in the Karousel due to superior engineering and tighter tolerances etc.

Thanks to John and Paul at Audio-T in Brighton for the work on my Stratos LP12, and for advice and lengthy discussion beforehand.



John Martyn, 'Grace and Danger' sounding very fine indeed.

Congratulations on your Karousel

Regarding the enthusiasm for the Tranquility, I wonder if part of the benefit of that product was that it was reducing the drag in worn, aged Cirkus bearings. I didn’t hear any benefit when I auditioned the Tranquillity.

Maybe, but I think there's more to it than that. Tranquility divided opinion. Not all the differences could be explained by those who liked it having worn out Cirkus bearings IMO.

[evil_C]

The Karousel really is very good indeed. More space, depth, detail, solidity – and sheer musicality.

As a Tranquility fan, I was prepared to be disappointed. If anything my expectation bias was negative. One doubt concerned synergy with the TP Stratos. No problems on that score. In my Exakt Urika II system, this is the most significant sq improvement in many years, and definitely the best v.f.m.

I look forward to hearing views of other Tq users who make the switch. The Karousel appears to have received universal acclaim, whereas of course opinion was divided on the benefits of the Tq.

I still think the Tranquility was an excellent upgrade to the Cirkus. For me, the interesting theoretical question remains whether a properly implemented magnetic levitation design would improve the Karousel in a similar fashion, or whether the Tq was correcting a deficiency in the Cirkus bearing which does not exist in the Karousel due to superior engineering and tighter tolerances etc.

Thanks to John and Paul at Audio-T in Brighton for the work on my Stratos LP12, and for advice and lengthy discussion beforehand.



John Martyn, 'Grace and Danger' sounding very fine indeed.

Congratulations on your Karousel

Regarding the enthusiasm for the Tranquility, I wonder if part of the benefit of that product was that it was reducing the drag in worn, aged Cirkus bearings. I didn’t hear any benefit when I auditioned the Tranquillity.

Maybe, but I think there's more to it than that. Tranquility divided opinion. Not all the differences could be explained by those who liked it having worn out Cirkus bearings IMO.

Yes, that’s what I think too. Still, you don’t have to concern yourself with such trivia anymore!

[Red Chris]

I found that the Tranquility gave the same improvement to my deck when I got a new Cirkus last year to complement the new plinth. I love it

[vincent]

I found that the Tranquility gave the same improvement to my deck when I got a new Cirkus last year to complement the new plinth. I love it

We agree Chris that the the Tq does something special for the Cirkus, and that this has nothing to do with correcting for wear in the bearing. The guys at Audio-T know my system well and have done all the upgrades to my LP12 over the last five years (including Tq, Exakt II, Kleos, Stratos). Despite positive feedback on the Karousel from all their customers, including one upgrading from Cirkus+Tq, we thought there might be a synergy issue with the Stratos (too much metal?) so our arrangement was that the upgrade was reversible if I wasn't happy. I too loved the Cirkus+Tq, but the Karousel is better in my system by a considerable margin.

[Wenge1]

The Karousel really is very good indeed. More space, depth, detail, solidity – and sheer musicality.

As a Tranquility fan, I was prepared to be disappointed. If anything my expectation bias was negative. One doubt concerned synergy with the TP Stratos. No problems on that score. In my Exakt Urika II system, this is the most significant sq improvement in many years, and definitely the best v.f.m.

Congrats on your Karousel. I also used to be a Tranquility user but found that the Karousel was definitely an improvement on my deck ...........

[wiltshireman]

Not too recently I had a chat with Peter about whether I should upgrade my arm or do the Karousel and he said that the Karousel would be the way to go. I didn't think to mention I had the Tq fitted and he could't possibly be expected to remember i had one either and once I realised that we hadn't mentioned the Tq I was left a bit uncertain about what was the best to do. Anyway I decided to upgrade the CD side of things so it didn't matter as any upgrade to my LP12 was going to have to wait. Its taken quite a long time for me to find many comments by folk who have done the switch (not just here but on other forums that I sometimes dip into) and to read any thoughts on how the Karousel compared to the Cirkus/Tq but now I am seeing more and more that say the Karousel IS better and interestingly not one that says the Tq is better. So then my conclusion is that I will be going for the Karousel next so now I must save my pennies up and perhaps in the new year, Covid willing, I will make an appointment for an upgrade. I can't wait to visit Peter as any visit is a real experience and very memorable.

[Red Chris]

I am still looking forward to hearing a Karousel endowed LP12 - it will happen soon

[vincent]

Its taken quite a long time for me to find many comments by folk who have done the switch (not just here but on other forums that I sometimes dip into) and to read any thoughts on how the Karousel compared to the Cirkus/Tq but now I am seeing more and more that say the Karousel IS better and interestingly not one that says the Tq is better.

Peter's review of the Karousel, summarised on p7 above, refers to more information, lower noise floor, greater dynamic range, greater sense of separation and placement of musicians and instruments, and greater depth and musical engagement. 'Everything sounds so much more real, so much more alive and energetic.' I would echo all this, especially the point about instruments and vocals sounding more real.

It’s taken several days' listening to a number of reference albums to appreciate the nature of the change made by the Karousel compared to the Cirkus/Tq. Though I definitely preferred the Cirkus with the Tq than without, I always thought there was a slight trade-off: greater subtlety and musicality, and better soundstage, but at the expense of slight loss of slam and punch. I could see why some people might not like the Tq.

There seems to be no such trade-off with the Karousel, which IMO is simply better in all respects.

[Wenge1]

I am still looking forward to hearing a Karousel endowed LP12 - it will happen soon

C'mon Chris - you know it makes sense ..........

[wiltshireman]

I haven't seen Peters review so will look for it now, thanks for mentioning it Vincent.

Vincent, Ok I took a look and realised that I had read it but its not the comments Peter said he would write but never mind it makes no difference to me as I will get one fitted as soon as can afford one.