Audio T Verdict
Linn Selekt LP12 occupies the middle position in the current Sondek LP12 range, providing a substantial performance step beyond Majik LP12 while retaining a clear route towards Klimax specification.
Its Karousel bearing, Lingo power supply, Kore sub-chassis, Arko tonearm and Kendo moving coil cartridge have been selected to work together as a complete record-playing system.
Selekt LP12 is supplied professionally assembled and configured, but its low-output Kendo cartridge requires a suitable moving coil phono stage. Audio T can demonstrate the turntable, help choose the correct phono amplification and install it within your system.
Linn Selekt LP12 Turntable
Selekt LP12 is a complete, higher-performance version of Linn's long-running Sondek LP12 turntable.
It combines the current LP12 deck and Karousel bearing with the Lingo motor-control system, Kore aluminium sub-chassis, Arko precision tonearm, Kendo moving coil cartridge and Trampolin suspended base.
Every component has been chosen to complement the others, avoiding the uncertainty of selecting a turntable, tonearm and cartridge separately while preserving the modular construction that allows an LP12 to be upgraded in the future.
What Is Included?
LP12 Deck and Drive
- Sondek LP12 hardwood plinth
- Stainless-steel top plate
- Karousel single-point bearing
- Inner and outer platters
- Lingo hybrid internal and external power supply
- 12 V synchronous AC motor
Playback Components
- Kore aluminium sub-chassis
- Machined-from-solid Kore armboard
- Arko 7075-grade aluminium tonearm
- Kendo moving coil cartridge
- Trampolin suspended aluminium base
- Professional Linn specialist setup
Moving Coil Phono Stage Required
Selekt LP12 includes the Linn Kendo low-output moving coil cartridge, but it does not include a phono stage.
The turntable must be connected to a suitable moving coil phono input or a separate MC phono pre-amplifier before it can be connected to a normal line-level amplifier input.
Audio T can help match the Kendo to suitable Linn, Naim, Rega and other phono-stage options.
Karousel Single-Point Bearing
At the mechanical centre of Selekt LP12 is Linn's
Karousel bearing
.
The bearing supports the complete rotating mass of the inner and outer platters and establishes the reference around which the turntable operates.
Karousel uses a stainless-steel bearing housing, substantial lock-nut fixing and Diamond-Like Carbon coated thrust pad to create a stable connection between the platter, spindle, bearing and Kore sub-chassis.
Its precision construction is intended to provide smooth rotation, low friction and greater mechanical stability.
Lingo Motor Control and Power Supply
The
Linn Lingo
is a hybrid internal and external power-supply system.
Control circuitry is fitted within the LP12, while the slim external supply can be positioned away from the turntable.
The system digitally manages the 12 V synchronous AC motor and automatically calibrates it each time the turntable is switched on, helping maintain consistent platter speed and musical pitch.
Lingo provides electronic selection of both 33? and 45 rpm without requiring the drive belt to be moved manually.
Kore Aluminium Sub-Chassis
The
Linn Kore
supports the bearing, platter and tonearm as part of the LP12's suspended assembly.
It uses a multi-layer box construction made from 1.5 mm aluminium. Three layers are bonded together using a Linn-specified adhesive to create a stiff but relatively lightweight structure.
The armboard is machined from solid aluminium, strengthened by ribs beneath its surface and bonded directly to the sub-chassis.
This provides the Arko tonearm with a direct mechanical relationship to the Karousel bearing while maintaining the carefully controlled mass required by the LP12 suspension.
Arko Precision Tonearm
The
Linn Arko
is a high-precision gimballed tonearm designed as the natural partner for the Kendo cartridge.
Linn uses 7075-grade aluminium throughout the arm-wand assembly, from the machined headshell and cold-drawn arm tube to the gimbal structure.
The ultra-stable gimbal platform and single-piece polished stainless-steel through-spindle are designed to maintain accurate bearing alignment while allowing the cartridge to follow warps and groove movement freely.
Weight-reduction pockets in the machined headshell help limit moving mass, while the stainless-steel counterweight is designed to reduce arm-wand inertia.
Kendo Moving Coil Cartridge
The
Linn Kendo
is a low-output moving coil cartridge developed specifically to work with Arko.
Its nickel-coated body is machined from the same 7075-grade aluminium used within the tonearm, creating a consistent mechanical path from the cartridge body into the arm and Kore sub-chassis.
The low-mass boron cantilever is fitted with a super-fine-line diamond stylus designed to trace small changes within the record groove accurately.
Aluminium-bronze threaded mounting inserts allow the cartridge to be secured using Linn's three-point fixing system without separate nuts above the headshell.
Kendo produces a nominal output of 0.45 mV, tracks at 2 g and is designed for a moving coil phono stage with an appropriate loading arrangement.
Trampolin Suspended Base
The
Linn Trampolin
completes the underside of Selekt LP12.
Its aluminium baseboard is fixed directly to the wooden plinth and fitted with suspended feet containing acoustic damping material.
The feet provide additional isolation from vibration travelling through the supporting rack, shelf or furniture.
The Trampolin also closes and protects the underside of the turntable while retaining access for future servicing and upgrades.
Available Wood Finishes
Audio T offers Selekt LP12 in five standard smooth-plinth finishes.
Black Ash
A dark, understated finish that works well with both classic and contemporary systems.
Cherry
A warm natural finish with a traditional furniture-inspired appearance.
Oak
A lighter finish that clearly displays the grain of the hardwood plinth.
Rosenut
A rich reddish-brown finish with a deeper and more distinctive appearance.
Walnut
A natural medium-to-dark finish with visible variation in tone and grain.
Wood is a natural material, so grain, shade and pattern will vary between individual plinths.
Linn also offers fluted, high-gloss, special-colour and
Bedrok™
plinth configurations by special order. Speak to Audio T if you would like to discuss an alternative finish or plinth specification.
Majik, Selekt or Klimax LP12?
Majik LP12
The
Linn Majik LP12
provides the entry point into the current Sondek LP12 range.
It offers the modular LP12 platform with more accessible tonearm, cartridge, power-supply and sub-chassis components.
Selekt LP12
Selekt adds Lingo, Kore, Arko, Kendo and Trampolin, providing substantial improvements to speed control, structural rigidity, tonearm performance and cartridge resolution.
Klimax LP12
The
Linn Klimax LP12
uses Linn's reference Keel SE, Klimax Radikal, Ekos SE, Ekstatik and Urika phono-stage components.
A Clear Future Upgrade Path
Selekt LP12 remains fully part of Linn's modular Sondek platform.
Individual components can be serviced or replaced without discarding the complete turntable. Future options include a Radikal motor system, Keel SE sub-chassis, Ekos SE tonearm, Ekstatik cartridge, internal Urika phono stage or Bedrok™ plinth.
It is not necessary to carry out every upgrade at once. Audio T can help identify which change is likely to provide the most worthwhile improvement within the existing system.
Professional Setup by Audio T
The LP12 is a precision suspended turntable and should be assembled, transported and adjusted by an experienced Linn specialist.
Audio T staff can build the turntable, balance the suspension, dress the tonearm cable, align the Kendo cartridge and set its tracking force and bias.
We can also check the supporting furniture, connect the Lingo power supply and match the cartridge to a suitable moving coil phono stage.
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration, delivery or installation.
Key Features
- Complete higher-performance Linn Sondek LP12 turntable
- Current Karousel single-point bearing
- Lingo hybrid internal and external power supply
- Digitally managed motor control with automatic calibration
- Electronic 33? and 45 rpm speed selection
- Kore aluminium sub-chassis
- Machined-from-solid aluminium armboard
- Arko 7075-grade aluminium gimballed tonearm
- Kendo low-output moving coil cartridge
- Boron cantilever and super-fine-line diamond stylus
- Trampolin aluminium baseboard with suspended feet
- Available in Black Ash, Cherry, Oak, Rosenut and Walnut
- Modular, serviceable and upgradeable construction
- Professionally assembled and configured by a Linn specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linn Selekt LP12 a complete turntable?
Yes. It includes the deck, bearing, motor system, sub-chassis, base, tonearm and cartridge. A compatible moving coil phono stage is still required.
Does Selekt LP12 include a phono stage?
No. The Kendo cartridge must be connected to a suitable low-output moving coil phono stage or MC-equipped amplifier.
Can it play both LPs and 45 rpm singles?
Yes. Lingo provides electronic selection of 33? and 45 rpm speeds.
Which cartridge is fitted?
Selekt LP12 includes the Linn Kendo moving coil cartridge with a boron cantilever and Super Fine Line stylus.
Which finishes are available from Audio T?
The standard options on this page are Black Ash, Cherry, Oak, Rosenut and Walnut.
Can Selekt LP12 be upgraded later?
Yes. The LP12 is modular and can accept higher-level Linn power supplies, sub-chassis, tonearms, cartridges, phono stages and plinths.
Can I collect it and set it up myself?
An LP12 should be transported and installed carefully. Audio T can explain the safest collection arrangements or deliver and install it, depending on your location.
Can Audio T demonstrate and install Selekt LP12?
Yes.
Contact your local Audio T store
for a demonstration, phono-stage matching, professional setup and installation.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced Linn Sondek LP12 specialists
- Demonstrations of Majik, Selekt and Klimax LP12 systems
- Advice choosing a suitable moving coil phono stage
- Help selecting the right plinth finish
- Professional LP12 assembly and suspension setup
- Arko tonearm and Kendo cartridge installation
- Accurate cartridge alignment, tracking force and bias adjustment
- Delivery and home installation arrangements
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing LP12 servicing and upgrade support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss the ideal Linn Selekt LP12 and phono-stage combination for your system.