Linn Majik LP12 Turntable with Krane Tonearm and Adikt Cartridge

Linn Majik LP12 is the entry point into the current Sondek LP12 turntable range.

It combines the familiar suspended LP12 design with a selection of current Linn-engineered components, including the Karousel single-point bearing, aluminium Majik sub-chassis, Krane tonearm and Adikt moving magnet cartridge.

The turntable is supplied as a complete package, professionally assembled and configured so that the bearing, suspension, tonearm and cartridge work together correctly.

Its modular construction also means individual components can be serviced or upgraded over time rather than requiring the complete turntable to be replaced.

What Is Included?

The Sondek LP12

The Sondek LP12 is built around a belt-driven platter and suspended sub-chassis contained within a wooden plinth.

The main bearing, platter, tonearm and cartridge are carried together on the suspended assembly, helping isolate the record-playing components from vibration reaching the outer plinth and supporting furniture.

This structure also establishes the mechanical relationship between the platter spindle and tonearm pivot, both of which must remain stable while the stylus follows the record groove.

Majik LP12 uses the same fundamental architecture as Linn's higher-level Selekt and Klimax configurations while using a carefully chosen entry-level combination of components.

Karousel Single-Point Bearing

Karousel is Linn's current precision-engineered single-point LP12 main bearing.

The bearing supports the combined mass of the inner platter, outer platter, record and mat while allowing the spindle to rotate smoothly and consistently.

Its stainless-steel housing is secured to the sub-chassis using a substantial lock nut, creating a rigid connection at the point where the bearing and suspended platform meet.

Linn also strengthened the thrust-pad housing at the base of the bearing to provide greater stability at the point supporting the platter's rotational mass.

Majik Aluminium Sub-Chassis

The Linn Majik Sub-Chassis forms the suspended platform supporting the main bearing, platters and tonearm.

It uses a multi-layer box construction manufactured from 1.5mm aluminium to provide strength and rigidity without adding unnecessary mass to the suspended assembly.

A rigid sub-chassis helps maintain a consistent mechanical relationship between the main bearing and tonearm while the turntable is playing.

This current aluminium design also provides a clear improvement over many earlier standard LP12 sub-chassis constructions.

Five-Layer Laminated Armboard

The Krane tonearm is mounted on Linn's five-layer laminated armboard.

The bonded sandwich construction provides a firm but acoustically damped mounting surface between the tonearm and aluminium sub-chassis.

The armboard must hold the tonearm securely at the correct mounting distance while resisting unwanted flexing or twisting.

Its alignment and fixing to the sub-chassis form an important part of the complete LP12 setup.

Krane Static-Balanced Tonearm

The Linn Krane is the tonearm supplied as standard with Majik LP12.

It uses a static-balanced design and is hand assembled from precision aluminium and stainless-steel components.

A polished tungsten and sapphire vertical bearing controls the arm's upward and downward movement, while dual ceramic horizontal bearings allow it to travel across the record with low friction and rotational mass.

Krane is designed around Linn's established effective length and offset angle, allowing it to integrate correctly with the LP12 armboard and Linn cartridge geometry.

Krane Adjustment and Setup

Krane includes a useful range of adjustments for accurate cartridge installation.

• Laser-etched scale for repeatable vertical tracking angle adjustment
• Cartridge azimuth adjustment
• Adjustable headshell for precise effective length
• Fixed Linn offset angle
• Side-mounted magnetic anti-skating adjustment
• Static tracking-force adjustment

These adjustments must be configured together so that the stylus sits correctly in the groove and applies the cartridge manufacturer's recommended tracking force.

Two-Point and Linn Three-Point Mounting

The Krane headshell supports both conventional two-point cartridge mounting and Linn's rigid three-point arrangement.

The supplied Adikt cartridge uses two-point mounting, allowing its forward position and alignment angle to be adjusted within the tonearm headshell.

Three-point compatibility retains a future upgrade route to suitable higher-level Linn cartridges.

Linn Adikt Moving Magnet Cartridge

The Linn Adikt is the moving magnet cartridge fitted to this Majik LP12 package.

It combines a rigid cartridge body with a replaceable Gyger II stylus and aluminium-tube cantilever.

The cartridge produces a healthy 6.5mV output, allowing it to work with a conventional moving magnet phono stage rather than requiring the additional gain of a low-output moving coil input.

Its replaceable stylus assembly provides a practical servicing route when the diamond eventually becomes worn or is accidentally damaged.

Moving Magnet Phono Stage Required

Majik LP12 does not contain a phono stage within the turntable.

Its Adikt cartridge must be connected to a compatible moving magnet phono input, either within an amplifier or through a separate external phono stage.

The phono stage provides the gain required to raise the cartridge's millivolt-level output and applies the RIAA equalisation used during record production.

A standard line input labelled AUX, CD, Tuner or Line does not provide the required gain or equalisation.

Internal Majik LP12 Power Supply

The Linn Majik LP12 Power Supply is fitted inside the turntable plinth.

It supplies consistent, low-noise power to the synchronous AC motor and filters unwanted mains interference before it reaches the motor circuit.

Linn designed the supply to reduce motor judder and support stable platter speed.

Its internal construction keeps the installation compact and avoids the need for a separate power-supply enclosure.

33? and 45rpm Playback

The Majik motor supply operates electronically at 33?rpm.

A mechanical 45rpm adaptor is included with the complete turntable and allows records cut at the higher speed to be played.

Changing speed involves stopping the turntable and fitting or removing the adaptor according to Linn's instructions.

Electronic speed switching is available through the higher-level Lingo and Radikal motor-control systems.

Solid Base Aluminium Baseboard

Majik LP12 is supplied with Linn's Solid Base .

This rigid aluminium baseboard attaches directly to the wooden plinth and uses fixed feet to support the complete turntable.

Solid Base is intended for use on a stable cabinet, equipment rack or wall shelf that already provides suitable isolation from vibration.

Owners requiring additional isolation through the feet can consider the Linn Trampolin baseboard as a future upgrade.

Choosing a Turntable Support

The Majik LP12 should be placed on a rigid, stable and level support.

A lightweight wall-mounted shelf can be particularly effective in rooms with suspended wooden floors, where movement may otherwise travel through floor-standing furniture.

The turntable should not be placed directly on top of a loudspeaker, subwoofer or unstable cabinet.

Keep enough space above and behind the LP12 for its lid to open freely and for the tonearm cable and mains lead to leave without being stretched.

Available Standard Finishes

The current standard options listed on this Audio T page are:

• Black
• Cherry
• Oak
• Rosenut
• Walnut

The grain and shade of real wood finishes can vary naturally from one plinth to another.

Linn also offers additional plinth and special-finish possibilities through its wider custom LP12 programme. Contact Audio T for current pricing and availability where a non-standard finish is required.

Professional LP12 Assembly

A Sondek LP12 is not supplied as a turntable that should simply be removed from a box and plugged in.

The main bearing, suspension, tonearm, cartridge, motor position and cable dressing must be assembled and adjusted accurately.

The three suspension springs and grommets are configured so that the platter sits level and the suspended assembly moves freely without catching the outer plinth or being pulled sideways by the tonearm cable.

Cartridge alignment, tracking force, anti-skate and tonearm height must then be set before the turntable is tested.

Majik LP12 MM or MC?

Linn offers Majik LP12 with either the Adikt moving magnet cartridge or Koil moving coil cartridge.

The MC version offers the more advanced cartridge, but the cost and compatibility of a suitable moving coil phono stage must also be considered.

Designed to Be Upgraded

One of the principal advantages of the Sondek LP12 is that its key components can be serviced and upgraded individually.

The Majik package provides a complete and balanced starting point without closing off future development.

Possible upgrades include the cartridge, tonearm, sub-chassis, baseboard and motor-control system.

The correct order depends on the customer's system, musical priorities and the condition of the complete turntable.

Cartridge Upgrade Options

Adikt can be replaced with a suitable moving coil cartridge when the system includes an appropriate MC phono stage.

The Linn Koil provides the natural first moving coil step for Majik LP12.

Higher-level Linn cartridges may also be mechanically compatible with the Krane headshell, but the tonearm, phono stage and overall LP12 specification should be considered before making a substantial cartridge upgrade.

Sub-Chassis Upgrade Options

The Linn Kore provides the next step above the Majik sub-chassis.

Kore replaces the separate laminated armboard with a machined aluminium armboard bonded directly to a stiffer multi-layer aluminium sub-chassis.

It is fitted as standard to the current Selekt LP12 and provides a more rigid platform for the main bearing and tonearm.

Motor-Control Upgrade Options

The Linn Lingo 4 replaces the internal Majik supply and motor with a matched 12V AC motor, internal speed-control board, tachometer and external power supply.

It monitors platter speed, calibrates the motor automatically and provides electronic switching between 33? and 45rpm.

Linn Radikal provides the higher-level upgrade route with a precision DC motor and advanced external motor-control system.

Baseboard Upgrade

Linn Trampolin can replace the fixed Solid Base where the installation would benefit from additional isolation through suspended, acoustically damped feet.

The best baseboard depends on the supporting shelf, furniture and floor construction rather than Trampolin automatically being the correct option in every room.

Majik LP12 or Selekt LP12?

Majik LP12 is Linn's entry-level complete configuration, while Selekt LP12 includes a series of higher-performance structural, motor-control, tonearm and cartridge components.

Both use the Karousel bearing and retain the modular LP12 upgrade architecture.

Turntable and Stylus Care

Keep the felt mat and records clean to reduce the amount of dust reaching the Adikt stylus.

Lower and raise the tonearm using its cueing mechanism wherever practical, and avoid touching the cartridge cantilever.

The stylus should be cleaned only with a suitable dry method, moving gently from the rear of the cartridge towards the front.

Replace the lid after listening to protect the platter, tonearm and cartridge area from dust and accidental contact.

LP12 Servicing

The Sondek LP12 is designed to be serviced and maintained throughout its working life.

A service may include checking the drive belt, bearing lubrication, suspension, tonearm cable, motor position, cartridge alignment and speed operation.

Read our guide to Linn LP12 servicing and maintenance for more information.

Key Features

• Complete Linn Sondek LP12 turntable package
• Current entry point into the LP12 range
• Professionally assembled suspended turntable design
• Karousel precision single-point main bearing
• Stainless-steel bearing housing
• Majik multi-layer aluminium sub-chassis
• Five-layer laminated armboard
• Krane static-balanced tonearm
• Precision aluminium and stainless-steel tonearm construction
• Tungsten and sapphire vertical bearing
• Dual ceramic horizontal bearings
• Adjustable VTA and cartridge azimuth
• Magnetic anti-skating adjustment
• Linn Adikt moving magnet cartridge
• Replaceable Gyger II stylus
• 6.5mV cartridge output
• Internal low-noise Majik motor power supply
• Synchronous AC motor
• 33?rpm operation
• 45rpm adaptor included
• Solid Base aluminium baseboard
• Choice of five standard finishes on this page
• Extensive future upgrade options
• Professional delivery and setup available

Frequently Asked Questions