Linn Sondek Klimax LP12

Documentation on the Sondek Klimax LP12 is thin. The record shows what it is, but not when it was made or what it cost new. The Klimax LP12 is a turntable package built on Linn's LP12, the deck Ivor Tiefenbrun's Glasgow company introduced in 1972 as its first product. The "Sondek" prefix arrived in the 1980s. The "Klimax" name comes from Linn's flagship electronics series, which also includes the Klimax Kontrol preamplifier and Klimax Solo power amplifiers. The LP12 itself remains in production over 50 years later.

What sets the Klimax variant apart from other LP12s isn't documented in any formal sense. The one concrete picture comes from a forum user's planned system listing, which specifies the package as a "Linn Sondek Klimax LP12 with KRadikal2, Keel, Ekos SE/1, Ekstatik, Trampolin2." That list breaks down as a Radikal power supply (the KRadikal2), the Keel subchassis, an Ekos SE/1 tonearm, an Ekstatik cartridge, and a Trampolin2 baseboard. A used listing on hifi-forsale.co.uk offered such a package at £9,750. That is a used asking price, not the original retail. The listing describes the plinth as Afromosia at 65 mm thickness with a Black Oak plinth showing some small superficial marks, recently serviced by the seller.

The underlying LP12 design is well understood. It uses a suspended subchassis that isolates the platter and tonearm from external vibrations. The British hi-fi press defined Linn's character by "PRaT - Pace, Rhythm, and Timing," and the LP12 is said to present music with rhythmic coherence and forward momentum, with bass that's tuneful and well-defined rather than deep and thunderous. Tiefenbrun's philosophy, "the source is everything," became known as the Linn doctrine. Linn remains independent, family-owned, and Scottish.

Here is what's missing: no production years for the Klimax version specifically, no manufacturer's original price, no measured specifications (wow and flutter, rumble, speed accuracy, dimensions, weight), and no description of exactly what the Klimax treatment changes versus other LP12 variants. If you own one, or have period documentation, the archive would welcome it.

Known configuration components:

• KRadikal2 power supply
• Keel subchassis
• Ekos SE/1 tonearm
• Ekstatik cartridge
• Trampolin2 baseboard
• Afromosia plinth, 65 mm (Black Oak in at least one listing)
• Stereo L/R RCA connectivity

Similar items on eBay

No exact Linn Sondek Klimax LP12 listings are live right now — these searches show current Linn and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:

As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.

Related Models

• Linn Sondek Sondek LP12
• Linn Sondek LP12 (1972-1990)
• Linn LP-12
• Garrard SP (1975)
• Luxman PD-310 (1981)
• Luxman PD-555 (1983)
• Thorens TD-124 (1957–1967)
• Harman Kardon kardon-turntables (1975)
• Onkyo CP-1020 (1979)
• Onkyo CP-1100A (1975)