In 1973, when Ivor Tiefenbrun introduced the Linn turntable, it caused quite a stir in the music industry. Quickly gained popularity among audiophiles, Linn's turntables became synonymous with exceptional sound quality and upgradability. The impressive 50-year old legacy led Jony Ive, former Apple design chief, to reach out to Gilad Tiefenbrun, Linn's current CEO and Ivor's son, for a special project to celebrate Linn's 50th anniversary. After multiple rounds of discussions from audio to design to functionality, came forth a special edition record player.
The Linn Sondek LP12-50 was limited to only 250 units. The first thing you'll notice right away is its quiet, elegant, and understated design - a tribute to the original model. Vinyl, unlike digital music, is a tangible, delicate item demanding careful handling and maintenance. It would be an understatement to say that the LP12 is simply a meticulously crafted-by-hand piece of machinery. Each unit is assembled, tested, and packed by a single artisan, to emphasize the legacy of fine craftsmanshipp.
Product trainer and ambassador Gordon Inch describes Linn as an “engineering company that happens to make hi-fi.” Here, he guides us through each step that goes into bringing its signature product to life.
Bedrok Shaping
The material Bedrok may sound unfamiliar, but that's because its a special material developed by Linn to make the base for the LP12-50. Starting with sheets of beechwood, Bedrok achieves its solid, stable form under compression. From there, it is worked upon to accommodate the remaining components. “The Bedrok’s job is to not resonate, to allow the sprung, suspended parts of the turntable to do their job,” Inch says.
Switching
Ive redesigned the switch to be more sleek and integrated with the device. The LP12-50's switch is now made from solid aluminum and provides a unique haptic feedback when used, rather than a traditional click.
Bearings on a Thrust Pad
The LP12's performance relies heavily on Linn's bearings, which is why the latest version, also known as the Karousel, is crafted in-house from durable stainless steel. The bearings are placed on a meticulously crafted base, called the thrust pad, which is also made from high-carbon steel.
Platter Production
The turntable's platter is made up of two segments crafted from a dense zinc alloy known as Zamak. The substantial weight of this material aids in stabilizing the record, while the dual components of the platter work together to counteract resonance, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted playback.
Its precision construction helps to ensure absolute flatness, because, according to Inch, even a small tilt in the record “can change the speed of the reading.”
Laser Etching
The craftsman of the turntable has their name applied to the finished model using a laser-etched plaque, along with information about the collaboration with LoveFrom and the edition number.
Tonearm Intensity
The tonearm is the most time-consuming part to make, taking three days to produce a batch of six. This process is in place due to the extreme precision and hand-eye coordination demands. Involving the creation of 74 individual parts, some of which are as small as one or two millimeters. Inch mentioned that this level of precision can be frustrating for some people.
Motor-Control Engineering
Linn is one of the few remaining audio companies with the capability to manufacture its own electronics. The Radikal motor-control unit is designed to tightly control the rotation speed of the platter, using data from optical sensors and an onboard tachometer. The tachometer helps Linn perfect the platter spins to precisely 33.3333 revolutions per minute (or 45 rpm for a 45). Even slight variations in speed can have a significant impact on the sound quality of the record.
Home Installation
The individual elements are so sensitive that the device isn’t shipped fully assembled. Here, Inch performs the final build, a process usually left to the specially trained trade partners who handle home installations.
Content inspired by: Robb Report
