Audio T Verdict
The Linn Karousel is a fundamental performance upgrade for the Sondek LP12, replacing the earlier bearing and inner platter with Linn's latest precision-engineered single-point design.
Its stainless-steel housing, substantial lock-nut fixing and low-friction coated thrust pad create a stronger and more stable connection between the platter, spindle, bearing and sub-chassis.
Karousel can be fitted to LP12s of almost any age, subject to the specification of the individual turntable. Installation requires the deck to be dismantled, rebuilt and carefully adjusted by an experienced Linn technician.
Linn LP12 Karousel Bearing Upgrade Kit
Karousel is Linn's current precision-engineered single-point bearing for the
Sondek LP12 turntable
.
The main bearing supports the complete rotating mass of the inner and outer platters while providing the central reference around which the turntable operates.
Any unwanted movement, friction or vibration at this point can affect the musical information recovered from the record. Karousel has therefore been designed to provide smoother rotation, greater rigidity and improved stability.
A Stronger Bearing and Sub-Chassis Connection
Karousel uses a stainless-steel bearing housing secured to the LP12 sub-chassis by a substantial lock nut.
This creates a rigid mechanical connection at the point where the bearing and sub-chassis meet, helping the platter, spindle, bearing housing and sub-chassis behave as a more stable assembly.
The design distributes the load securely and reduces unwanted movement around one of the most mechanically important areas of the turntable.
Refined Bearing Liners
The internal bearing liners are manufactured to carefully controlled tolerances to support the spindle accurately throughout its rotation.
This refined fit helps the inner platter rotate smoothly while limiting unnecessary lateral movement.
Improved stability at the spindle can contribute to a quieter mechanical foundation, allowing the cartridge and tonearm to recover more of the information contained within the record groove.
Diamond-Like Carbon Coated Thrust Pad
At the base of the bearing, the spindle is supported by a smaller and stiffer thrust pad with a Diamond-Like Carbon coating.
Often abbreviated to DLC, this hard, low-friction surface is used to create a smooth and durable contact point beneath the rotating platter assembly.
The thrust-pad housing has also been strengthened to provide additional support beneath the mass of the platter.
Reduced Friction and Smoother Rotation
Lower friction allows the inner platter and spindle to rotate more freely and consistently.
Linn developed Karousel to reduce mechanically generated noise and vibration at the heart of the LP12. This can improve clarity, timing, bass definition and the ability to follow individual instruments within a recording.
Reduced friction should also support a long working life when the bearing is correctly installed, lubricated and maintained.
Supplied as a Complete Upgrade Kit
Karousel is supplied as an LP12 upgrade kit rather than as a bare bearing housing.
Principal Components
- Karousel stainless-steel bearing assembly
- Current-specification inner platter and spindle
- Diamond-Like Carbon coated thrust pad
- Substantial bearing lock nut
- Correct Linn bearing oil
Installation Parts
- Suspension refresh components
- Replacement springs and grommets where supplied
- Earth connection and associated fittings
- Fixings required for the rebuild
- Parts may vary according to the current Linn kit specification
Supplying a new inner platter ensures that the spindle and bearing are correctly matched. Refreshing the suspension components also allows the LP12 to be rebuilt and adjusted around the new bearing.
Compatibility with Existing LP12 Turntables
Linn describes Karousel as retrofittable to every generation of Sondek LP12, although the complete specification of an older turntable must be checked before installation.
Some older decks may require additional components or upgrades so that the bearing, sub-chassis, platter and power supply work together safely and correctly.
Important Power-Supply Compatibility
Karousel must not be installed while the LP12 uses a Valhalla, Wakonda or third-party power supply mounted inside the turntable.
These power supplies can create a safety or clearance conflict with the Karousel bearing and lock-nut arrangement. A compatible current power supply may therefore be required as part of the upgrade.
Audio T will inspect the turntable and identify the fitted power supply before any work begins.
Older Platters and Sub-Chassis
Some early LP12 outer platters may not fit the current-specification inner platter supplied with Karousel and may need to be replaced.
Older sub-chassis arrangements may also require additional work or replacement parts. Compatibility cannot be confirmed solely from the age or serial number of the turntable.
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange an inspection of your LP12.
Karousel and the LP12 Upgrade Path
The bearing is one of the foundations of the LP12 and affects the operation of the platter, suspension and sub-chassis.
Karousel can therefore provide a worthwhile improvement across a wide range of LP12 specifications, from older turntables undergoing refurbishment to highly developed decks fitted with current Linn components.
Where an LP12 requires several upgrades, Audio T can advise on how Karousel fits alongside other options such as the
Linn Kore sub-chassis
,
Linn Lingo 4 power supply
and
Linn Bedrok plinth
.
The most appropriate order will depend on the age, condition and existing specification of the individual turntable.
Professional Installation Required
Fitting Karousel requires the LP12 to be dismantled sufficiently to remove the existing bearing and inner platter.
The new bearing must then be secured correctly to the sub-chassis before the suspension, tonearm, cartridge, belt and platter are reinstalled and adjusted.
Suspension balance, arm-cable dressing, cartridge alignment, tracking force, bias and platter speed should all be checked before the turntable is returned to use.
Karousel Installation by Audio T
Audio T staff are qualified to inspect, service and rebuild Linn Sondek LP12 turntables and can install the Karousel bearing using the correct Linn procedures and tools.
The work also provides an opportunity to assess the condition of the suspension, belt, motor, power supply, sub-chassis, tonearm and cartridge.
Contact your local Audio T store
to discuss the specification of your LP12 and arrange installation.
Key Features
- Current Linn single-point bearing for the Sondek LP12
- Precision-engineered stainless-steel bearing housing
- Substantial lock-nut fixing
- Improved coupling between bearing and sub-chassis
- Refined bearing-liner tolerances
- Smaller and stiffer thrust-pad assembly
- Diamond-Like Carbon coated thrust pad
- Reduced friction and smoother rotation
- Designed to improve mechanical stability
- New current-specification inner platter included
- Suspension refresh components supplied
- Retrofittable to LP12 turntables of any age, subject to inspection
- Professional installation and setup required
Technical Information
- Product type: Sondek LP12 bearing upgrade kit
- Bearing design: Precision single-point bearing
- Bearing housing: Stainless steel
- Sub-chassis fixing: Substantial threaded lock nut
- Thrust pad: Diamond-Like Carbon coated
- Inner platter: Current-specification inner platter included
- Lubrication: Correct Linn bearing oil supplied
- Compatibility: Sondek LP12, subject to inspection and specification
- Installation: Linn retailer installation and configuration required
- Internal power-supply restriction: Not compatible with Valhalla, Wakonda or third-party supplies mounted inside the deck
- Older outer platters: Replacement may be required
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Karousel be fitted to any Linn LP12?
Linn describes it as retrofittable to any LP12, but older turntables must be inspected. Additional power-supply, sub-chassis or outer-platter work may be required.
Does the kit include a new inner platter?
Yes. Karousel is supplied with a current-specification inner platter and spindle matched to the new bearing.
Can it be used with a Valhalla power supply?
No. Linn states that Karousel must not be used with a Valhalla, Wakonda or third-party power supply mounted inside the turntable.
Will my original outer platter still fit?
Many will, but some older outer platters may not fit the current inner platter and may need replacing. This can be checked during the initial inspection.
Does fitting Karousel include an LP12 service?
The deck must be dismantled and rebuilt, so the installation includes many of the checks associated with LP12 servicing. Any additional worn or unsuitable parts will be discussed separately.
Can I fit the Karousel bearing myself?
No. Linn states that the bearing must be installed and configured by a Linn retailer. The LP12 suspension and complete turntable setup require specialist tools and experience.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced Linn Sondek LP12 technicians
- Inspection of your existing LP12 specification
- Checks for power-supply, sub-chassis and platter compatibility
- Professional Karousel bearing installation
- Complete suspension and arm-cable setup
- Cartridge alignment, tracking-force and bias checks
- Assessment of belts, springs, grommets and other service parts
- Advice on the most appropriate future LP12 upgrades
- Ongoing turntable servicing and support
Contact your local Audio T store
to discuss upgrading your Sondek LP12 with the Linn Karousel bearing.