Linn Sondek LP12
The Scottish turntable with a sprung sub-chassis that remained a reference for forty years.
Ivor Tiefenbrun was the son of a Glasgow engineer who made machine parts. In 1973 he launched the LP12 turntable, based on a design in which the platter and arm hang on springs, isolated from shocks and vibrations.
Linn argued that the source – the turntable – was the most important part of a system, and made many listen anew. The LP12 has been improved piece by piece but looks almost the same as fifty years ago.
Materials: Wood, cast aluminium, steel, springs
Manufacture: Made by Linn in Glasgow from 1973 and still in production.
The plain wooden plinth without decoration.
The sub-chassis suspended on three springs.
The two-piece platter driven by a belt.