One of the most famous turntables, the Linn Sondek LP12, can now have its bearing upgraded for the first time in 27 years. Linn says the Karousel bearing “will improve the performance of every Sondek LP12 turntable ever made”.
Linn also says that the bearing is central to the stability of the LP12 turntable and that the Karousel bearing is only the third evolution of this design in almost 50 years.
Founder Ivor Tiefenbrun's unique single-point bearing, combined with the acoustic isolation of the turntable design, were the foundations on which Linn was established in 1973. The design even inspired the Linn company logo.
The 2020 design of the Karousel was only possible due to breakthroughs in material science and machining capabilities, along with what Linn has learned in almost half a century designing and manufacturing turntables.
According to Linn, “Karousel offers a more refined motion and greater stability, allowing an even better sound with a longer lasting design.”
The LP12 has become one of the most cherished turntables of the modern vinyl revival, and the ability to continue upgrading components allows the vinyl enthusiast to own an LP12 for their lifetime.
Linn says this latest performance upgrade raises the bar for vinyl reproduction yet again and presents the opportunity for every LP12 owner to elevate the performance of their LP12.
Available from March 23rd, the Linn Karousel bearing upgrade kit sells for £750 RRP.
Plinth personalisation and monogram etching options are available for another £330 each.
All new LP12s will feature the new bearing as standard.
For more information, visit Linn.
Greater Stability
A stronger coupling has been achieved between the platter, spindle, bearing housing and sub-chassis, thanks to the Stainless Steel material chosen and the new design implemented. A key part of this new design is the substantial lock-nut fastening which increases rigidity at what was previously the weakest point. A stronger housing for the thrust pad, combined with a smaller, stiffer form and the new coating improves the critical area that supports the platter rotation and mass. The combination of these changes leads to the reduction of noise for more accurate vinyl reproduction
Longer Lasting
Karousel’s reduction in friction means that it will last longer.
Easier To Service
The new lock-nut fastening method means quicker and easier removal and replacement without the need for the sub-chassis to be removed which affects suspension/tonearm setup. In addition, the removable ‘thrust pad cap’ allows draining, cleaning and close inspection of the critical pad surface of the bearing without removing it completely from the LP12.
The Personal Touch
Now with the addition of two personalisation options, LP12 owners can create a turntable that’s truly unique to them with the opportunity to match their plinth to any colour finish and to monogram their deck with up to 4 letters.
The same high gloss colour finishes are available for all Linn speakers, so customers can match their speakers to their deck to create a bespoke system.
Turntable - Linn LP12, Karousel, Keel, Ekos SE/1, Kandid, K-Radikal, Urika.
Amplifier - Naim Supernait 3
CD Player - Naim CD5si
Speakers - Kudos X3
Turntable Mat - Linn, Collaro Audio
Cables - Kudos KS-1 Speaker Cable, Linn Silver Interconnects
Support - DIY Solid Oak Rack
Headphones - Focal Elegia, AKG 701
