Join us in our San Francisco Bay Area store for a special new product showcase event featuring the Bedrok on Saturday February 22nd at 11am. Space are limited so please reserve you seat on the Basil Audio Linn Bedrock Event page. We look forward to welcoming you to hear for yourself the improvements that the Bedrok plinth brings to the Klimax LP12.
Thanks to all who attended our Linn Showcase Event with Gilad Tiefenbrun, Linn’s CEO where you were able to be the first in the United States to hear the Bedrok. We’re finalizing future Bedrok events in both San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego. Please Contact Us for details.
Tracks played:
- Richter – Vivaldi four seasons recomposed “Winter”
- Eva Cassidy – Live at Blues Alley
- Rodrigo Y Gabriella – Live in Japan “Ixtapia”
Introduction:
The Linn LP12 is a legendary turntable, and Linn Products continues to refine its performance. This review focuses on the Klimax LP12 Bedrok and its impact on the listening experience. We auditioned the Bedrok plinth at Basil Audio in California using the tracks listed above, chosen for their diverse musical complexity and demanding dynamic range.
Impressions of Improvements:
The Bedrok plinth brought about a significant and immediately noticeable improvement across all aspects of the LP12’s performance. The key enhancements can be summarized as follows:
- Much More Detail: The Bedrok unveils a wealth of previously unheard micro-details, adding a new layer of realism and texture to the music.
- Better Bass: The bass response is tighter, more controlled, and extends deeper, providing a solid foundation for the music.
- Easier to Follow Distinct Musical Lines: Complex musical passages become clearer, with individual instruments and vocal lines easily discernible.
- Better Tune: Harmonic timing is improved which makes it easier for the listener to follow melodies and connect emotionally
- Rhythmic : The timing and pace of the music are significantly improved, enhancing the rhythmic integrity of the performance.
- Easier to Follow Tunes: The improved clarity and rhythmic precision make it easier to follow the melodic lines and appreciate the nuances of the composition.
- Much Lower Noise Floor: The Bedrok dramatically lowers the noise floor, allowing subtle details to emerge from the silence and enhancing the overall sense of clarity.
Best of all, with these improvements evident, the turntable still unmistakably “sounds like a Linn” – just even more so.
Specific Examples:
- Richter – Vivaldi four seasons recomposed “Winter”: The right-hand harpsichord part in the Richter recording is typically very quiet and went unnoticed before. With the Bedrok, this delicate accompaniment becomes exquisitely clear, perfectly complementing the solo violin. The added clarity revealed the intricate interplay between the instruments, adding a new dimension to this familiar piece.
- Eva Cassidy – Live at Blues Alley: On the Eva Cassidy track, the guitar’s presentation is transformed. The Bedrok reveals a much more symmetrical and balanced sound, with even attack and decay. The sustain of Cassidy’s vocals is also more apparent, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the richness and emotion in her voice.
- Rodrigo Y Gabriella – Live in Japan “Ixtapia”: Having seen Rodrigo y Gabriella perform live several times, I’m very familiar with their unique sound. The Bedrok plinth brought their live energy into my listening room. Gabriella’s distinctive strumming technique, a crucial element of their percussive style, became remarkably clear and impactful. The separation and clarity provided by the Bedrok made it easier to appreciate the complexity and virtuosity of their playing.
Conclusion:
The Linn Klimax LP12 plinth upgrade (Bedrok) is a truly transformative upgrade for the LP12. It elevates the turntable’s performance to a new level, revealing a remarkable increase in detail, clarity, and musicality. The lower noise floor and improved rhythmic precision contribute to a more engaging and immersive listening experience. While a significant investment, the Bedrok represents a worthwhile upgrade for any serious vinyl enthusiast looking to maximize the potential of their Linn LP12.