Linn Sondek LP12 vs Pioneer PL-512
Side-by-side specifications and a plain-English account of the recorded differences. Full profiles: Linn Sondek LP12 · Pioneer PL-512.
| Specification | Linn Sondek LP12 |
Pioneer PL-512 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (used) | $120 (used) |
| Category | Vintage | Vintage |
| Status | current | discontinued |
| Years | 1973–present | 1977–? |
| Drive | belt drive | belt drive |
| Speeds | 33/45 rpm | 33/45 rpm |
| Operation | manual | manual |
| Cartridge supplied | None | None |
| Phono stage | No | No |
| USB output | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Platter | two-piece machined zinc-alloy (mazak) | aluminium |
| Tonearm | none (sold armless; commonly Grace, Ittok, Akito) | Pioneer static-balance arm |
| Wow & flutter | — | — |
Practical differences
Highlighted cells show a lower reference price, support for more listed speeds, or the presence of a convenience feature. They are not an overall score.
Both are belt-drive, so that part of the experience should feel similar on either deck: a motor that's mechanically isolated from the platter by an elastic belt, which is the usual route to a quieter noise floor — the default choice across most of hi-fi.
The Pioneer PL-512 is discontinued, so that side of this comparison is really "used Pioneer PL-512 vs new Linn Sondek LP12" — factor in condition, service history and the lack of a warranty against a fresh unit with manufacturer support.
Bottom line: Linn Sondek LP12 and Pioneer PL-512 are close in the recorded fields, and this specification comparison does not establish an overall winner.
Live retailer offers
Checking current in-stock offers for Linn Sondek LP12…
Retailer searches
2 US retailers stock Linn — each outbound link searches the deck on that retailer’s site.
| Retailer | Type | Shipping | Product search |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverb | used marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | View at Reverb ↗ |
| eBay | marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | View at eBay ↗ |
Retailer searches
4 US retailers handle used or discontinued decks like this — each outbound link searches the deck on that retailer’s site.
| Retailer | Type | Shipping | Product search |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar Center | music retail | Free standard shipping on most orders $25+. | View at Guitar Center ↗ |
| Reverb | used marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | View at Reverb ↗ |
| Upscale Audio | hifi independent | Free USA shipping on orders over $99 (exclusions for oversized items). | View at Upscale Audio ↗ |
| eBay | marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | View at eBay ↗ |