Linn Sondek Lp12 Servicing

[leroydiamond]

I have a Linn Sondek turntable that has served me well over the years and is in need of a little TLC. Ideally I would have a service done with a local dealer but there isn't one. Rather than shipping the thing to a linn dealer and all the hassle that entails, I have decided to do it myself, but need some help.
The turntable is operating fine, so in order to keep it that way I reckon changing the bearing oil and cartridge would be a good idea. i have a back round in electronics and do all the set up on my guitars, so reckon i could give this a shot. I would appreciate any advice from anyone on here who might be familiar with these tasks. The arm is an Akito and the bearing is a cirkus bearing.
thanks in advance.

[Leonard Smalls]

You'll get good advice at either [url="http://www.hifiwigwam.com"]www.hifiwigwam.com[/url] or [url="http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/"]http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/[/url].
As for changing the cartridge, that's an easy job so long as you're not too hamfisted; I've just put an Audio Note IQ3 on my Clearaudio and it sounds most excellent. You do, however, need a stylus balance - the Shure one is about £20 - and it's probably worth getting a powerful magnifying glass to check on your old cart as it may be OK. This website has plenty of set-up info:
http://www.originlive.com/troubleshooting/cartridges-troubleshooting.html

[leroydiamond]

[quote name='Leonard Smalls' timestamp='1429116887' post='2748226']
You'll get good advice at either [url="http://www.hifiwigwam.com"]www.hifiwigwam.com[/url] or [url="http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/"]http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/[/url].
As for changing the cartridge, that's an easy job so long as you're not too hamfisted; I've just put an Audio Note IQ3 on my Clearaudio and it sounds most excellent. You do, however, need a stylus balance - the Shure one is about £20 - and it's probably worth getting a powerful magnifying glass to check on your old cart as it may be OK. This website has plenty of set-up info:
[url="http://www.originlive.com/troubleshooting/cartridges-troubleshooting.html"]http://www.originliv...leshooting.html[/url]
[/quote]

Great stuff. I will check out the links you provided. Thank you

[spyder]

Hi, I work in the hifi industry and there are not many people left who can service a LP12 property. It needs the correct tools to align the suspension and needs great care and patience to get the most from the deck.
We are in Reading at Audio T and my colleague Simon has been servicing the LP12 for over 20 years.
Hope this helps.

[leroydiamond]

[quote name='spyder' timestamp='1429123742' post='2748321']
Hi, I work in the hifi industry and there are not many people left who can service a LP12 property. It needs the correct tools to align the suspension and needs great care and patience to get the most from the deck.
We are in Reading at Audio T and my colleague Simon has been servicing the LP12 for over 20 years.
Hope this helps.
[/quote]

Any Chance that your mate Simon Might be visiting the west of Ireland (my location) anytime soon ? . If so the Guinness is on me Having such an experienced tech as your colleague service the unit would be ideal. Just wonder if it is practical to ship this piece of delicate Hi Fi across the ocean?. i understand a special shipping box is required.

Edited April 16, 2015 by leroydiamond

[spyder]

[quote name='leroydiamond' timestamp='1429124994' post='2748341']


Any Chance that your mate Simon Might be visiting the west of Ireland (my location) anytime soon ? . If so the Guinness is on me Having such an experienced tech as your colleague service the unit would be ideal. Just wonder it practical to ship this piece of delicate Hi Fi across the ocean?. i understand a special shipping box is required.
[/quote]


Never, never ship a lp12 without the box and packaging. The bearing is a right off if you do.
I would look for an old school hifi shop ( someone still stuck in the 1980s ) that are FACTORY TRAINED on the lp12. This might take sometime but will be worth the effort. Also try calling Linn to see if they can help. A service will cost around £200.

Edited April 15, 2015 by spyder

[gelfin]

I have been in the Hi Fi industry for some 30 years and serviced more LP 12's than I can remember. Whilst it is true that they can benefit from regular servicing if it is performing OK then don't worry. Some enthusiasts can get a little over zealous about the accuracy of the set up.

How long since you had the cirkus upgrade?
If you want to change the oil be certain to get the correct stuff, either from Linn or a Linn dealer.
If you can set up your own guitar then changing a cartridge should be no problem. It's not all smoke and mirrors as some would believe.

Don't go down the shipping route. By the time it gets back to you it would probably need setting up again.

If you want me to help feel free to PM me and I will give you my phone number to talk you through anything.



Hi Spyder, who are you in A T reading. I was in Audio X / T / 7 Oaks / T in Cardiff till a couple of years ago.

[leroydiamond]

[quote name='gelfin' timestamp='1429129759' post='2748421']

If you want me to help feel free to PM me and I will give you my phone number to talk you through anything.

[/quote]

That is fantastic. PM on the way

[leroydiamond]

Just want to say gelfin has been a total gent in assisting me with this. Many thanks

[gelfin]