Looking at one from the early ‘70s next to the latest spec’d LP12 you would be forgiven if you shrugged at how little it has changed.
While it would be disingenuous to say there are not subtle visual cues to alert the astute to engineering improvements over time in the plinth, tonearm, cartridge and platter, (the motor, circuitry and power supply are all hidden) the basic LP12 design has not been screwed with for good reason; it continues to be one of the most lauded and ubiquitous turntables in the history of the industry.
But, the company has just announced the LP12 in entry-level Majik guise – which has been in my listening room the last few months – is going to be equipped with a higher performance Clearaudio tonearm modified to Linn specifications come November 2020. Perhaps a sign that the sub-$5,000 USD market is getting crowded with a number of technologically and sonically adroit designs. While opinion will always be divided, perhaps it's time to stop attaching ever-newer tonearm designs and simply re-issue the Naim Aro that is still, arguably, the most sought after LP12 arm.
Linn website.
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