Linn

Linn Origins

Linn, the manufacturer of high-quality audio equipment including turntables, was founded in 1972 by Ivor Tiefenbrun in Glasgow, Scotland. The company is best known for its iconic Sondek LP12 turntable, which revolutionized the hi-fi industry upon its introduction in 1973.

The Sondek LP12 turntable, introduced in 1972, uses a suspended sub-chassis design and a patented tightly toleranced single-point bearing. The LP12 has evolved since its introduction, but its basic suspended sub-chassis design has remained. The design was identical to the Ariston RD11 and similar to the Thorens TD150, both in turn based on the Acoustic Research XA turntable that was launched in 1961. The XA was created by renowned audio pioneer Edgar Villchur.

The thinking at the time was that the most important component of a high-end audio system is the loudspeakers. Linn presented an important challenge to that by claiming that the source (i.e. the turntable) was the most important part of the system.

Early versions were a platform for mounting third party tonearms, had a basic power supply arrangement, and would only revolve at 33⅓ rpm. Those users requiring a 45 rpm option would have to purchase a special adaptor to increase the diameter of the motor pulley and platter speed accordingly.

Throughout the years, there have been many changes resulting from development efforts to improve this table. These changes include modifications to components such as the subplatter and bearing, rubber feet, baseboard, armboard, suspension springs and grommets and reinforced plinth. A much-improved on-board PSU, the Valhalla, was marketed as an upgrade option.

Later, external power supplies became de rigueur firstly with the introduction of the Linn Lingo, and later the Radikal.

Linn’s origins are rooted in the pursuit of enhancing home music systems through precision engineering and a commitment to musical quality over technical specifications.