Linn LP12
The world’s longest-running turntable. Still the one to beat.
Linn LP12 Specialists | Audio Republic Gateshead
Linn LP12 Klimax Retailer. 100+ LP12s serviced, upgraded and demonstrated since 1995. Four LP12 specifications on permanent demonstration — from Majik to Klimax.
Audio Republic is a Linn LP12 Gateshead specialist with over 30 years experience. We stock four LP12 specifications on permanent demonstration — from Majik to Klimax — and have serviced, upgraded and set up over 100 LP12 turntables since 1995.
That’s the thing that surprises people most: the LP12 isn’t one fixed turntable, it’s a starting point. The Majik on its own is a genuinely serious deck — not a stepping stone to something else, but a complete, satisfying system in its own right. From there, there’s a clear, considered upgrade path — bearing, subchassis, tonearm, power supply — each step audibly worth taking, for those who want to go further. Some owners stop after one upgrade. Some spend years working their way to a Klimax. Both are valid. That’s rather the point.
Below, you’ll find all four specifications we keep on permanent demonstration, along with the upgrade paths — including Tangerine Audio and Audio Origami — that take a standard deck somewhere genuinely special.
Linn Majik LP12
The Linn Sondek LP12 is one of the most continuously
developed turntables ever made. Tracing its lineage
back to the early 1970s — through the Ariston RD11
and Thorens TD150 — the LP12’s suspended subchassis
design has been refined over five decades into
something genuinely remarkable.
Our demonstration Majik LP12, finished in a smart
black fluted plinth, represents the entry point into
the LP12 family. Don’t let the word “entry” mislead
you. This is a serious turntable that outperforms
many rivals at significantly higher prices.
At its heart is the Karousel main bearing, introduced
by Linn in March 2020. Using a Diamond Like Carbon
(DLC) coating on the thrust pad, the Karousel is
exceptionally smooth and low friction — lowering the
noise floor and extracting more of what’s in the
groove.
The Krane tonearm, made by respected German
manufacturer Clearaudio, replaces earlier Linn
designs. It delivers an even, consistent performance
across the frequency range with a full, engaging
midband. It works well with both moving magnet and
moving coil cartridges up to £1,000, and responds
well to a better tonearm cable — Linn’s own T cable
being an excellent choice.
Available with a choice of cartridges: the Adikt
moving magnet at £3,700 or the Audio Technica
derived Koil moving coil at £3,935.
The power supply runs at 33⅓ RPM as standard. For
those wanting 45 RPM capability or improved speed
stability, popular options include the Mose Hercules
and Valhalla Minos supplies, or Linn’s own Lingo 4
for those who prefer to stay within the Linn
ecosystem.
The cumulative effect of Linn’s ongoing development
programme is evident throughout — every fastening,
the plinth design, the top plate — all continuously
improved. The result is a turntable that works
brilliantly as a one-stop solution or as the
starting point for a structured upgrade path.
Call Andrew to arrange a demonstration in our
Gateshead showroom or in your own home.
Linn Selekt LP12
Our Selekt Edition LP12, finished in a striking
light oak plinth, represents a significant step
forward from the Majik. Each upgrade addresses a
specific aspect of the LP12’s performance, and the
cumulative effect is immediately audible.
The subchassis here is the Linn Kore — a one-piece
aluminium construction, substantially stiffer than
the Majik design. Less vibration and resonance means
more musical information reaches your ears. You can
hear it immediately in the enhanced clarity this
level of turntable delivers.
The Arko tonearm is an all-new design from Linn,
bridging the gap between the Krane and the flagship
Ekos SE. It is ideally partnered with cartridges up
to and including the Linn Kendo at £3,080. Our
demonstration model is shown with the £1,535 Linn
Krystal moving coil cartridge.
Perhaps the most significant upgrade over the Majik
LP12 is the Lingo 4 power supply. Derived from the
top of the range Radikal, the Lingo 4 optically
senses the platter revolutions and makes continuous
adjustments to the motor — ensuring perfect speed
stability at all times.
The result is a literal transformation in sound.
For many years the archetypal LP12 sound was rich,
warm and full-bodied — wonderful, but not for
everyone. Today’s Selekt LP12 is more neutral,
faster, cleaner and clearer. More Gewurztraminer
than Merlot. Stop/start characteristics are
impressive, with the beginning and ending of notes
very clearly delineated. Everything makes so much
more sense.
If you want more, read on.
Call Andrew to arrange a demonstration in our
Gateshead showroom or in your own home.
Linn Klimax LP12
After 50 years of continuous development, this is
Linn’s statement on what vinyl replay can achieve.
Every component has been specified, engineered and
refined to extract the maximum from your record
collection.
The Karousel bearing — standard across the LP12
range — is here complemented by the Keel SE
subchassis. Milled from a single billet of
aluminium, the Keel SE is extraordinarily stiff and
precision engineered to be the ideal termination
point for both the tonearm and bearing. The
difference this makes to resolution and clarity is
not subtle.
The Ekos SE tonearm is the ultimate refinement of
Linn’s original Ittok/Ekos design. Ultra low
friction precision bearings and a titanium armtube
allow the cartridge to track the groove as easily
as possible, minimising information loss at every
revolution. It is partnered here by the EMT-built
Ekstatik cartridge — a design devoid of any
resonance-harbouring body, delivering the fastest,
cleanest and most startling dynamics available from
vinyl today.
The Klimax Radikal power supply completes the
picture. A digitally controlled device allowing
perfect pitch and outstanding resolution, powered
by the groundbreaking Utopik supply and housed in
magnificent machined casework.
The net result of 50 years of development is very
clear — staggering resolution, impeccable timing
and dynamics that will continue to surprise you.
Yes, it’s expensive. But given the choice between
a Ford Focus and the above, we’d take the above
and get the bus.
Call Andrew to discuss the Klimax LP12 and arrange
a private demonstration.
Parallel Universe LP12
Given how long the LP12 has been around, it’s
natural that talented engineers have sought to
improve upon the original design. Some attempts
have been genuinely wonderful — the Naim Aro
tonearm being a fine example. Others less so.
Tangerine Audio, however, is a company whose
upgrades we consider not just worthwhile but
essential.
Shown here is one of our own LP12s, fitted with
the Tangerine Audio Karmen top plate — a precision
machined aluminium component with the subchassis
bolt hangers positioned exactly perpendicular to
the surface. This allows the suspension to work
far more effectively than a standard top plate
permits, and is particularly valuable with older
decks where the top plate may have developed ripples
over time. It is, quite simply, a weapons-grade
solution to one of the LP12’s most fundamental
variables.
This deck also features the KU-B subchassis,
offering the flexibility to use original Linn
armboards whilst still delivering a meaningful
performance upgrade over a standard Majik
subchassis.
The Revolver platter completes the picture —
replacing the standard Linn platter with one
machined from austenitic (non-magnetic) stainless
steel. Perfectly balanced with equal weight
distribution, it spins more evenly than a cast
platter with air pockets, and is fully compatible
with all Linn power supplies.
The result is an LP12 that performs well beyond
its specification on paper — and one that
demonstrates just how much performance the
original design still has to give.
Call Andrew to discuss Tangerine Audio upgrades
for your LP12.
Audio Origami Tonearms
Audio Origami Tonearms
We are delighted to represent Audio Origami —
a British manufacturer of superbly engineered
tonearms that offer a genuinely compelling
alternative to those normally fitted to an LP12.
Handbuilt in small quantities in the UK, Audio
Origami tonearms have established themselves
quickly as firm favourites among serious vinyl
enthusiasts. Their combination of precision
engineering and musical performance is something
that has to be heard to be fully appreciated.
In our view, an Audio Origami tonearm can
substantially improve the performance of any LP12
— and we would be delighted to demonstrate this
at one of our regular analogue events, or by
private appointment.
If you’re looking to get the very most from your
record collection, a tonearm upgrade is often one
of the most rewarding steps you can take.
Call Andrew to discuss Audio Origami tonearms and
find out when our next analogue event is scheduled.
Common LP12 Questions
Is the Majik LP12 "enough," or do I need to upgrade eventually?
The Majik is a complete, satisfying turntable on its own — plenty of owners never upgrade and don’t feel they’re missing anything. The upgrade path exists for those who want it, not because the starting point is lacking.
What's the difference between an old LP12 and a new one?
More than you’d think — looking similar from the outside is part of the trick. The Karousel bearing alone lowered the noise floor noticeably over the old design, and that’s before you even get to Kore, Lingo, or any of the rest. An LP12 from twenty years ago and one built last year can sound like different turntables.
Should I upgrade my existing LP12 or buy new?
Honestly, it depends on what you’ve got and what you’re after — both are good options, and neither is the “right” answer for everyone. If you’re not sure which makes more sense for you, just give us a call or bring your deck in. We’ll have an honest look and talk it through.
Are Tangerine Audio and Audio Origami upgrades "as good as" Linn's own parts?
In our experience, genuinely yes. We don’t take on a brand lightly — we’ll only represent something if we’ve heard it make a real, audible difference, and both of these have. The Karmen top plate, the Revolver platter, an Audio Origami tonearm — these aren’t generic third-party add-ons chasing a quick sale. They’re precision-engineered components that, properly fitted, can take a standard LP12 somewhere a stock deck simply can’t go.
Can I bring my own LP12 in for assessment before deciding on upgrades?
Of course — that’s often the best starting point. Bring your deck in and we’ll have an honest look at what it would actually benefit from, with no obligation either way.
Interested in an LP12?
Whether you’re considering your first LP12, looking
to upgrade your existing deck, or want to hear what
Tangerine Audio or Audio Origami can do for your
turntable, we’re here to help.
We have four LP12 specifications on permanent
demonstration in our Gateshead showroom — and we’re
always happy to arrange a home demonstration if
that suits you better.