THE KAROUSEL BEARING - A WEEK ON FROM OUR LINN KLINIK

It’s been a week since our Linn Klinik in-store Karousel event, and we thought we’d provide you with an update on how it went, as well as some comments from our customers who have already had the new bearing fitted. If you’re thinking about it but not 100% sure yet, maybe this will seal the deal for you?

The Karousel bearing, in all its glory!

The Karousel bearing, in all its glory!

Out of all the people we had come in for the Klinik, two-thirds of them put in their Karousel order before leaving. The others were impressed and will look to upgrading in the future, after a bit of saving. One of them is now looking into getting a whole Linn Majik system in the future, off the back of hearing it on the day. 

Using our Klimax system, the Karousel excelled [you can find details of this system here]. One customer brought in a very old record, let’s just say it was ’well used‘ and he said “struggles to play quietly wherever I’ve tried it” and it played superbly. He was shocked at how clean and clear it sounded in comparison to playing it on his own LP12 - a deck that is no slouch! The pops, crackles and scratches were very significantly reduced, and even the few that did get through sounded sweeter, and less noticeable.

So, what comes in the box?

Inside the Karousel box

Inside the Karousel box

Well, obviously the bearing, but as you can see here, there is a lot more in the box! You get a new inner platter, as well as; new suspension springs, grommets (large and small), an earth wire with tags, suspension lock nuts, a P-clip, and more than enough oil. A pretty impressive haul for not a huge amount of money!

*You will need a minimum of a Cirkus sub-chassis to upgrade, and it is not compatible with Valhalla or pre-Valhalla power supplies due to safety issues.

The inner platter from the Karousel bearing kit

The inner platter from the Karousel bearing kit

One of the first Karousels we fitted was for a long time customer. After he received it back we got an update from him with his thoughts on the bearing. 

“Sat here on the couch slightly stunned at what I’m hearing from my turntable. There are bass and cymbal lines I’ve simply never heard before, and it’s only been playing for five minutes”

Understandably this initial response gave us confidence in the Karousel, but you’d better believe that it only got even better… One valued customer provided us with some very detailed email updates. One on the day after installation, another one a week after, and finally two weeks after.

Here are some of our favourite snippets from each of those emails!

The day after, he said “I’m quite cynical about post-upgrade over-enthusiasm, but I think your other customer’s ‘jaw-dropping’ assessment justified in this case.”

A week later; “Having now listened to a range of types of music and recordings/pressings of varying quality, I’m in no doubt at all about the scale of the improvement, with the Karousel. Instruments and vocals sound more natural, realistic and authentic. I think it’s a bigger step forward in my system than any recent upgrade.”

And after two weeks; “Two weeks post-installation and I’m out of superlatives to describe the improvement the Karousel has made to my LP12. Not surprisingly, great recordings are better now. The biggest change however is with material that didn’t sound quite right with the Cirkus, which now makes it over the line, often by a considerable margin.”

We would absolutely agree with all of these comments, and the countless snippets of praise we’ve had from everyone.  The noise floor drops away almost completely, leaving more space for each individual instrument. That’s not to say it gives an unnatural ‘3D’ sound, but you can certainly pick out more detail than with other bearings. Another benefit is that it’s less fatiguing on the ears, we can certainly attest to that having given our shop model a good run in for at least 5 full days.

As our customers have said, music that they know well is being heard in completely different ways and details that weren’t noticed before, are suddenly revealed in all their glory. We would agree with that fully, and it is a joy to listen to. 

This bearing is a real testament to the work that Linn do, and despite a global pandemic happening just as they released the bearing to the public… it has not affected the demand for these at all. We get enquiries about it daily!

We can honestly say that this upgrade is easily the best value upgrade you can do to your LP12, and it is without a doubt firmly in the top 5 upgrades of all time. 

If you’d like to discuss this, or any other LP12 upgrades, then please give us a call at the shop and we’ll be happy to talk through what we can do. Just remember that all of our stores are currently operating on an appointment only service.

John, Paul & Chris - Audio T Brighton

Linn Products are available at all of the following Audio T Stores -

Be sure to keep an eye on what’s happening in the Brighton store by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

Servicing A Linn LP12 Turntable At Audio T Oxford

With the current resurgence of both vinyl and turntable sales, we now see many customers who want to rejuvenate their classic Linn or Rega turntables.

Recently we had a client wishing to get the most of his large record collection. He bought in his elderly, early 1990’s Linn LP12, for us to service.

We hope you might find the work that this entailed interesting.

Levelling the Linn jig. If this is not done correctly, you will never be able to set up the turntable.

Levelling the Linn jig. If this is not done correctly, you will never be able to set up the turntable.

Ready to start work. Base board removed.

Ready to start work. Base board removed.

Ensuring chassis bolts are completely vertical. This is vital for a correct setup.

Ensuring chassis bolts are completely vertical. This is vital for a correct setup.

Replacing the bearing oil.

Replacing the bearing oil.

Refitting the inner platter, using gloves to avoid fingerprints.

Refitting the inner platter, using gloves to avoid fingerprints.

Checking on belt orientation.

Checking on belt orientation.

Checking on tonearm collar fit and alignment. While the tonearm is out, we will check its bearings.

Checking on tonearm collar fit and alignment. While the tonearm is out, we will check its bearings.

Setting the correct ‘bounce’. An LP12 should have a nice, pistonic bounce, with a steady, even decay.

Setting the correct ‘bounce’. An LP12 should have a nice, pistonic bounce, with a steady, even decay.

Setting the speed, using a strobe.

Setting the speed, using a strobe.

Setting the correct weight for the cartridge.

Setting the correct weight for the cartridge.

Checking cartridge alignment.

Checking cartridge alignment.

The finished turntable, now playing at its optimum, with added pep, life and soul.

If you own a Linn, we can service and also advise on the numerous upgrades that are available to further boost the sound quality.

Legendary Hi-Fi Brand Linn, Is Now Available For Audition At Audio T Swindon

We are proud and extremely excited to announce that we are now an official Linn dealer at Audio T Swindon. In this blog we will introduce you to some of their fantastic Hi-Fi products and we hope it will encourage you to come in and have a listen.

Linn, based in Glasgow, Scotland, is one of the oldest and most revered British manufacturers of Hi-Fi equipment. They make turntables (the legendary Linn Sondek), loudspeakers, amplifiers and digital network music players. They’ve always been an innovator and were the first Hi-Fi company to stop CD players in 2009, so they could focus on the development of their digital music streaming and network players.

Let’s start with the range of turntables, the iconic Sondek LP12. Every person who has bought a Sondek LP12 from 1973 onwards has been able to fully upgrade their turntable to the very latest specification and every single Sondek LP12 is made by hand and signed by the person who builds it.

The three ranges are Majik LP12, Akurate LP12 and Klimax LP12.

The choice of plinth finishes are oak, cherry, black ash, rosenut and walnut. The Majik LP12 includes the Majik sub-chassis, Solid Base base board, Majik power supply, a Pro-Ject 9CC carbon tonearm and the Adikt moving-magnet cartridge.

Majik LP12 in oak

Majik LP12 in oak

Majik LP12 with Adikt Cartridge

Majik LP12 with Adikt Cartridge

Majik LP12

Majik LP12

We also have an Akurate LP12 ready for demonstration.

This LP12 comes with an external Lingo 4 power supply, Kore upgraded sub-chassis, Trampolin suspended aluminium base board, Akito tonearm and the Krystal moving-coil cartridge.

Akurate LP12 in walnut

Akurate LP12 in walnut

Akurate LP12 with Akito Tonearm and Krystal Cartridge

Akurate LP12 with Akito Tonearm and Krystal Cartridge

Linn Krystal Moving-Coil Cartridge

Linn Krystal Moving-Coil Cartridge

Lingo Power Supply

Lingo Power Supply

Linn Network Music Systems:

There is a range of four systems and we would like to show you the entry level Linn Majik DSM.

It is a true one-box two-channel music system (available in black or silver) with a powerful 90W per channel amplifier, 15 digital (HDMI, coaxial, optical ) & analogue inputs, a built-in phono stage (MM) for connecting a turntable, Tidal & Qobuz lossless streaming, streaming form a NAS, Internet radio and much more.

Linn Majik DSM

Linn Majik DSM

Linn Majik DSM

Linn Majik DSM

The system can be controlled via iOS/Android app and a computer desktop option is available, too. A remote control for convenience is supplied.

The Linn Majik DSM is a very versatile system that allows you to connect a turntable, TV, set-top box or a games console - No problem. There are 3 optical, 3 coaxial, 4 HDMI and 4 analogue inputs (one of them for a turntable).

The Linn Kazoo control app is well designed and works really well. Choose your source, select your music and turn it up - That’s it.

Here is a screen shot of the Linn Kazoo App and what you can choose to listen to.

IMG_3952.PNG

But there’s one more thing.…

To complete the system we have added a pair of Linn Majik 140 loudspeakers.

This is a 4-way floorstanding loudspeaker and only one out of 3 in the range. There is a pair a bookshelf speakers (Majik 109) and a centre speaker (Majik 112 for a home theatre system) as well.

Linn Majik 140 speakers

Linn Majik 140 speakers

Linn Majik 140 speakers

Linn Majik 140 speakers

Linn Majik 140 speaker terminal

Linn Majik 140 speaker terminal

The Linn system in one of our demonstration rooms:

IMG_3932.JPG

This is a great music system, with plenty of detail, rhythm and groove and it makes us want to listen to more music. Whether you want to play your favourite records or stream your music digitally it’s fantastic! So come on in and have a listen to one of the best British Hi-Fi brands around!

Thank you for reading. Andy & Stefan Audio T Swindon

Linn products are available at the following branches of Audio T:

Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Swindon









































Linn Sondek LP12 Turntable Open Day At Audio T Brighton this Saturday 18th November

Join us between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm to explore the range of performance available from the legendary Linn Sondek LP12. We will have on demonstration the 3 main variants of this classic design; Klimax, Akurate and Majik.

First introduced over 40 years ago, it has been refined and developed and being a modular design, older LP12's can be upgraded with improved modern parts, including the motor and power supply, sub chassis, tonearm and cartridge, etc.

You are welcome to bring along your own LP12 for upgrading assessment, and to compare with the demonstration LP12's. Bring along some favourite records too.

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Majik LP12 the first step on the LP12 ladder

Akurate LP12 external power supply, upgraded sub - chassis tonearm and cartridge

Klimax LP12 fully loaded LP12 with all the top upgrades.

Please call 01273 609431 to book a time.

We look forward to seeing you and talking Linn LP12 turntables!

Julian, Paul and John

Linn LP12 turntables are available from the following branches of Audio T:
BrightonBristolManchester

Linn Sondek LP12 Open Day On Saturday 27th May At Audio T Brighton.

Join us and explore the delights of the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable, one of the most iconic Hi-Fi products ever produced, and still in production after more than 40 years, albeit highly evolved from the original design

On demonstration will be a full top specification Klimax LP12 and the introduction to the range, the Majik LP12. There are many options between these two turntables that we will be happy to discuss, and LP12 owners will be able to book a future listening session with their own turntables, and a view to upgrades and improvements.

Linn Majik LP12

Linn Majik LP12

Linn Klimax LP12

Linn Klimax LP12

Bring along a favourite album or two and discover more music from your records.

Please use this ticket booking link if you wish to attend.

The many parts to the Klimax LP12

Linn Klimax LP12 Components

Linn Klimax LP12 Components

We look forward to seeing you and talking Linn LP12 turntables!

Julian, Paul and John

Linn LP12 turntables are available from the following branches of Audio T:
BrightonBristolManchester

Linn LP12 springs back to life!

Over 100,000 examples of the iconic Linn Sondek LP12 have been produced in the forty plus years since it first appeared.

Many, like this one, belonging to one of our long term customers, and bought here many years ago, have been resting unused for some considerable time whilst CD has been the primary source of music at home.

It's all there, and working, just a bit tired and in need of a bit of TLC and a makeover.  Like many, this particular customer, is reconnecting to his record collection and rediscovering the joy of listening to vinyl. There really is nothing quite like it.

Having recently invested in a significant system and speaker upgrade, the goal was to breathe new life into this classic vinyl spinner rather than go down the costly path of fitting every possible upgrade.

This particular example, from the early 1980s, has the early dark tinted lid.

A new clear lid will sharpen up the appearance but first the turntable is placed in a Linn set up jig and powered up to confirm that the motor and Valhalla power supply are both working correctly.

The Ittok arm is also checked to ensure both the vertical and horizontal arm bearings aren't exhibiting any sticky points in their travel and the arm moves freely in both planes.

The Linn Karma cartridge is well past it's best and will be replaced as part of the overhaul.

The stripdown commences with the removal of the arm and outer and inner platter.

The power supply, suspension and sub-chassis and armboard can then be removed.

At this stage the top plate is checked to ensure the correct fit against the wooden plinth.  Any movement or rattles in the rear motor corner badly affect the performance of any LP12.  The main bearing is also emptied of old oil and inspected for wear whilst the sub-chassis/armboard assembly is separated from the suspension.

The suspension bolts are checked and adjusted using the Linn T bar tool to ensure they are totally vertical before reassembly.  Failure to do this makes accurate suspension set up very long winded if not impossible.

New springs, upper and lower grommets and lock nuts are used to reset the suspension.  Thirty year old rubber will have hardened and springs this old are about as fit for purpose on a suspended turntable as ancient shock absorbers would be in a car.

The next job, and often the longest on a Linn, is to level and reset the suspension to ensure free and smooth vertical travel with no sideways movement, both when static and with the platter turning.  This example is one of the easier ones and soon settles into a satisfyingly smooth and precise bounce.  The alignment of the armboard is checked with a Linn Kinky tool (yes, really!) to ensure the correct position of the arm pillar relative to the centre spindle.

The bearing is filled with new Linn oil, a new belt fitted and a new Dynavector DV10XV high output moving coil cartridge is fitted to replace the ageing Linn Karma, the arm balanced and tracking weight and bias set. The cartridge is aligned with a Linn protractor and the VTA (vertical tracking angle) of the arm is checked and adjusted.

 

The turntable accuracy is checked with a Linn strobe disc and speed checker.  All is now as it should be.

 

Finally, thirty years of oxidation and pitting to the platter rim are removed by the application of Brasso and a lot of elbow grease!  The newly polished finish is protected with a high quality car wax.  Similarly the wooden plinth is cleaned and has several coats of wax furniture polish applied to restore it's lustre.

 

A new clear lid and hinges finish off the makeover nicely.

 

 Job done.  A thirty year old Linn looking as good as new and ready to spin LPs for a few more decades!

If you have a Linn LP12 or Rega in need of servicing, overhauling or updating please phone me or email first.  I'm quite happy to offer advice or look at other makes and models of turntables but space, and time, are limited, and there's only one of me!  Please call me and book a slot before bringing in your pride and joy.

Alan

N.B. The blog is from our Southampton store, however majority of our stores can offer a similar service.