Linn LP12 Setup Manual

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Page 1 Edited by Foxit PDF Editor Copyright (c) by Foxit Software Company, 2004 For Evaluation Only. LINN LP12 TURNTABLE SET UP MANUAL...
Page 2: Lp12 Introduction
Revised Jan 1998 IN THE BEGINNING ... This is where it all began back in 1973 - the Sondek LP12, which revolutionised people’s perception of what pro- duces ‘good’ hi-fi. At Linn we have demonstrated that turntables are the most important component in a record playing hi-fi system.
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Valhalla Update Kit ........Motor Adjustments ........Linn Speedchecker ........Kinky Arm Alignment Tool ......T-Bar Bolt Straightener ......45-rpm Adaptor ......... LP12 History and Upgrade Path ....... LP12 Specifications........... INDEX Page 3 Copyright © 1991-1998 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved...
Page 4: Lp12 Set-Up
It is extremely important that you read this entire section before attempting to set up a Linn Sondek LP12 Turntable. Failure to do so may well result in substandard performance, and could result in perma- nent damage to the turntable.
Page 5: Required Tools
8mm or 5/16 Hollow Shaft Nut Driver No. 1 Pozidrive Screwdriver No. 2 Pozidrive Screwdriver All cross slot screws on the LP12 are Pozidrive. While a Phillips screwdriver will work, the correct Pozidrive screw- driver is preferred. Medium Size (about 5 mm wide) Flat Blade Screwdriver...
Page 6: Set-Up Jig
Revised Jan 1998 LP12 SET-UP JIG We recommend that you always use a set-up jig when setting up an LP12. This will facilitate ease of adjustment, prevent damage to your turntable and ensure proper suspension adjustment. Before using the jig make sure that the mounting plates have been covered with a protective strip.
Page 7: Preparation
(base) is level. This is done by adjusting the feet of the set-up jig. Please note that if you are using a Linn set-up jig, you may lay the jig on its back at various times during set-up to provide easier access to the underside of the turntable (steps 3 to 6 for example).
Page 8 With older turntables that do not have this screw, proceed to the next step or if welded type,drill the side of sub- chassis and relocate earth wire. INDEX Page 8 Copyright © 1991-1998 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved...
Page 9 BASIK power supply kit and are not compat- ible with the Lingo or Valhalla power supply. Original Valhallas supplied to countries with 60 Hz mains were supplied 60 Hz Valhalla boards. INDEX Page 9 Copyright © 1991-1998 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved...
Page 10: Assembly
Procedures may vary slightly if other tonearms are used. 11. Mount the Tonearm Base on the Armboard In the case of the Linn arms, the arm base is fastened from the bottom of the arm board with three 4mm socket head bolts with lock washers.Read section on Kinky arm...
Page 11 See Seperate proccedure for complete details. 16. Charge Turntable Bearing with Oil Discharge the entire charge of oil provided into the bear- ing well - i.e. two small 1 ml phials of Linn oil. Wrap a tissue around the bearing housing to absorb any overflow.
Page 12 (See procedure on Mounting the Cartridge for details). 20. Tonearm Counterweight Gently fit the counterweight on the tonearm, being careful not to subject the arm bearings to undue force. INDEX Page 12 Copyright © 1991-1998 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved...
Page 13 If the cartridge body is not strong enough to allow it to be mounted tightly, it cannot perform at its best. All Linn cartridges, except the K5, are metal bodies and can be tightened properly. To avoid damaging critical arm bearings never, under any...
Page 14: Suspension Adjustments
(and hence the arm bearings) is deformed. If mounting a Linn Ittok LVIII arm, at this time you should readjust the height of the arm rest and tighten the knurled height locking screw as tightly as possible.
Page 16 With a bit of practice you will find that it is easier to adjust the suspension than it is to read about it. INDEX Page 16 Copyright © 1991-1998 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved...
Page 17: Arm Cable Fitting
. 29. Pre-form P-Clip Pre-form the P-clip by squeezing it tightly together momentarily with a pair of pliers, as shown in the illustration. INDEX Page 17 Copyright © 1991-1998 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved...
Page 18 If you are setting up an older LP12 that does not have this allen screw attaching the chassis earth, it is recom- mended that you drill a small hole (3mm) on the side of the sub-chassis and relocate the earth wires to this point.
Page 19 36. Feed Cable through Plinth Bend the cable to route it through the cutout supplied in the rear of the plinth (the cable will make a sharp S-bend). INDEX Page 19 Copyright © 1991-1998 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved...
Page 20 Check when replacing the bottom panel to ensure that the arm cable and mains cable exit through the slots provided, and that the arm cable does not rest on the baseboard. INDEX Page 20 Copyright © 1991-1998 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved...
Page 21: Motor Adjustment
Speedchecker. A drift of one line per second indicates a speed error of only 0.3%. With the use of the Linn Speedchecker, it is quite easy to adjust the speed to within 0.01%. Finally check with the outer platter fitted upside down that belt does not foul belt guide and runs on crown of pulley.
Page 22 (this is not a motor fault). Remove end cap from the motor and check ball bearing is properly greased. Use Linn black grease only. Refit the assembly to the bottom of the motor. After replacing the cap, push down on the motor pulley from above. The pulley should go down, then spring back to its original position when released.
Page 23: Final Installation
Have the cabinet seated firmly on the floor (not carpet), or braced against, or fastened to, the wall. INDEX Page 23 Copyright © 1991-1998 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved...
Page 24: Tips
Carry out the "Tune Dem" to estabish correct setup before and after carring out any modifications or upgrades to ensure that you are getting the best from the LP12. Tips: When fitting Linn Tone-arms split the arm cable...
Page 25: Common Turntable Set-Up Faults
Unauthorised modifications; Wrong speed; Loose feet; Turntable not on a level surface; Mains plug position (usually best next to pre-amplifier); Use of a comparator or excess connections. Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 25...
Page 26: Lp12 Fault Finding
Revised Jan 1998 LP12 FAULT FINDING These are a few of the most common LP12 faults that we have experienced. Symptom Fault Solution Turntable Dirty/Worn Clean or replace belt doesn't reach belt correct speed Voltage on Check volts at motor wires...
Page 27 'polish' marks which indicate that the spindle has been used dry, or that the bearing liners are too tight. If polish marks are present, replace inner platter Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 27...
Page 28 LED dead Check mains fuse on PCB. revolve If blown, check R1. Unless bridge rectifier is rated at 1000V (KY500 or1KAB100E) fit Valhalla Repair Kit (see page 46). Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 28...
Page 29 Remove bearing housing and not level housing not check matching surface on sub- square on chassis for excess glue, or mis- sub-chassis aligned strengthening strap. If ok, clean and re-assemble. Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 29...
Page 30 Leave to dry before using; or b. Use longer screw eg. 6 x 3/4" self-tapper, instead of 6 x 1/2". If repair is not effective then replace plinth. Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 30...
Page 31 Counter-sinking Replace armboard. too large Lid does not Springs in Change hinges to new remain in hinges too spec, ie. hinge springs are gold open position weak in colour. Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 31...
Page 32: Lingo Fault Finding
Try with another Lingo.Return faulty Lingo to Linn. LED on LP12 Obstruction to Check and clear. stays bright platters/motor (stall detector working) Faulty motor - See page 48. bearings tight Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 32...
Page 33: Lp12 Guidelines For Upgrade And Repair
50 Hz or 67.5 Hz square wave for 33 rpm and 45 rpm respectively. As the LP12 motor runs at its quietest when driven with a clean sinusoidal waveform, a precision filter is employed in the Lingo to remove harmonics from the square wave leaving only a pure wave form.
Page 34 Estimated Time for Completion of task ~ 30 minutes WARNING: Disconnect the Mains Supply from the Turntable Remove the base from the LP12, remove all the wires from the Valhalla board terminal blocks and remove the old switch assembly. Take the Valhalla board squeezing the stand-off clips with a pair of long-nose pliers.
Page 35 VALHALLA : FIT THE MAINS EARTH WIRE OVER THIS BOLT WITH A P-CLAMP FOR THE NEW ARM CABLE. LINGO:FIT THE P-CLIP ONLY (UNLESS USING CONN 401/E SCREENED LEAD) Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 35...
Page 36: Suspension Grommets
When updating older LP12s remember to change all the suspension grommets and related parts to those listed below. These parts are also supplied in the LP12 Spares Kit (part no. SK-LP12) or in the CIRKUS bearing upgrade. Components...
Page 37: Motor Thrust Bearing
In 1991 a Factory fitted new small thrust cap was intro- duced. This replaces the previous motor thrust bearing arrangement and is suitable for all LP12's. As this is glued in place it requires no maintenance, and cannot be re-trofitted to existing motors.
Page 38: Bearing Housing "Cirkus
The complete kit of parts, which includes a new inner platter and spindle, is supplied to fit this upgrade. As always with Linn product improvements, all new LP12 turntables since April 93 have incor- porated this upgrade as standard.
Page 39 Failure to replace both components will result, except in the case of a new, unused LP12 in a rapid deterioration of performance. All required parts are supplied in the CIRKUS Kit (page 38). Oil Change...
Page 40 Fix the new bearing housing using the screws supplied with the bearing; tighten them as much as possible, avoiding distortion of the chassis, then ft to LP12. 10. Refit wiring strap, motor wires, arm cable, earth wire, flexible pcb switch connector and base board.
Page 41: Armboard
ARMBOARD Introduced - 1987 Serial No. (approx.) - 79,160 The latest LP12 armboard is made up of an MDF core, laminated top and underside. This improvement better optimises the rigidity of the arm board. Most LP12s are fitted with the EKOS armboard which accommodates Ekos and Akito tonearms.
Page 42: Sub-Chassis (Glued)
1993 saw the Introduction of the CIRKUS kit- see page 38 for full details. Assemble earth wire to sub chassis Bend the tag and wire back Check the screw is TIGHT! Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 42...
Page 43: Plinth
Take the plinth and fit the top plate with 2 screws Additional stud Fit the wiring strap with 2 washers and screws Do not overtighten the nuts on the wiring strap! Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 43...
Page 44: Valhalla Power Supply
The Valhalla will drive almost all LP12 motors, with the possible exception of very early motors (coded MB10). It drives the motor with 85V A/C across the red phase. The blue phase is driven through a phase shift capacitor at approximately 75 V.
Page 45: Nirvana Kit
LP12 components. The Nirvana kit was discontinnued in Jun 1992, but most of the parts are still available separately or as part of the LP12 Spares Kit (SK- LP12) List of parts : Part Number:...
Page 46: Valhalla Repair Kit
NB: Observe the polarity and make sure that you insert the bridgerectifier the correct way round. Getting this wrong will result in a fireworks display when you plug it in. Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 46...
Page 47: Valhalla Update Kit
4. Trim the legs . The joints should be trimmed to about 2mm. Double check that there are no shorts between the joints and the tracks. 5 Audition before returning to the customer. Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 47...
Page 48: Motor Adjustments
As of May '91 all motors for LP12 Valhalla and Lingo are supplied with a new smaller motor end cap glued in place. For previous motors see the following section.
Page 49 Remember that there is a running-in period for new motors of up to 36 hours continuous running. You can accelerate the noisy run-in period by leaving a Lingo LP12 on at 45 rpm overnight for a few nights to quickly achieve quiet running in the new Lingo position.
Page 51: Kinky Arm Alignment Tool
Using cartridge alignment protractor, check align- ment and adjust position of cartridge as required. See arms and cartridge section for fitting of car- tridges to arms, and use of alignment protractor. Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 51...
Page 52: T-Bar Bolt Straightener
The bubble must be central in the spirit level. Turn the tool through 90 degrees and check in the other plane. Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 52...
Page 53: 45-Rpm Adaptor
Revised Jan 1998 LP12 45 RPM ADAPTOR A 45 rpm adaptor is available for the LP12 turntable and is supplied as standard with the Basik power supply. The adaptor consists of a slip-on ring which fits over the existing pulley, and a new belt. The old belt should be used with the adaptor, the new belt being intended for use at 33 rpm.
Page 54: Lp12 History And Upgrade Path
Fitted with additional stud which improves the coupling of the top plate to the Plinth and secures the motor corner. Mar. 1992 88950 LP12 Mechanics Only LP12 sold as a mechanical assembly only. Three power supply 1991 87600 options available: Lingo, Valhalla and Basik. Valhalla and Basik (Basik PSU supplied with 45 rpm adaptor).
Page 55 Isolates the rotation of the turntable motor from variations in the electrical supply. 1982 38,800 Nirvana Kit Improved material specification of many integral mechanical components. Improved suspension and stability. 1981 32,800 Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 55...
Page 56 Motor control pcb changed from terminal strip to small circuit board. 1974 2,000 Mains Switch Changed from two buttons to single switch with mains neon. 1974 2,000 Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 56...
Page 57: Lp12 Specifications
Inner Chassis The free floating inner, single piece pressed steel, (sub) chassis employs a strengthening strap, glued in place. Copyright © 1991-98 by Linn Products Limited. All Rights Reserved. INDEX Page 57...
Page 58 Lingo, a direct coupled two speed (33.3 rpm and 45 rpm) outboard supply. Basik power supply rely on the mains frequency therefore require either a 50 or 60 Hz motor fitting to the LP12 according to country of use. This supply is also voltage specific.

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