Linn Radikal And Keel SE Upgrades For The Klimax LP12
All Image Credit: Linn
The Scottish manufacturer Linn has just released two new upgrade options for one of the longest-running and most upgradeable turntables in production, continuing with their philosophy of evolution over redesign. Their flagship Klimax LP12 turntable has two new upgrades; the new Klimax Radikal which replaces the Radikal Machined, first released in 2018, while the Keel SE succeeds the original Keel sub-chassis introduced in 2006. Both are designed to deliver further refinements for current owners seeking to enhance the performance of their existing turntable.
Klimax Radikal
The new Radikal motor control and power supply weighs in at nearly 14 Kg (30.87lbs), is machined from three pieces of solid aluminium, and mounted on high-mass stainless-steel feet with rubber ring inserts. Internally the power supply is isolated inside its own self-contained space, all ensuring excellent electrical and mechanical isolation. Pitch control is managed digitally and is powered by a custom designed Utopik power supply. The supply provides dedicated self-regulating output rails to drive the the motor and provide power to the internally mounted Urika phono stages.
For current users of the Radikal Machined, Linn will offer a factory-installed Utopik Miniline upgrade, allowing owners to bring their existing unit up to the new specification without a full replacement.
Keel SE
The Keel SE offers further refinements to Linn’s one-piece sub-chassis and tonearm mounting assembly and is currently the highest-performance LP12 sub-chassis available, with superior stiffness and optimised resonant behavior and distribution of mass. This design has been improved upon by the use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a computer aided optimization and analysis technique that enabled Linn to evaluate limitations in the sub-chassis’ original design. Then through the use of their in-house cutting-edge virtual prototyping and enhanced in-house machining capabilities created a new design with a claimed increase in stiffness of approximately 300% that; reduces vibrations, provides improved weigh distribution between the springs, and reduces inertia. All said to improve the critical acoustic isolation properties of the sub-chassis. Areas optimised include; an intricate bracing structure, stiffening of the area connecting the Karousel bearing and the new separate tonearm collar, plus the removal of material bellow the arm board that ensures its centre of mass is balanced more evenly on its suspension. All optimising weight distribution between the springs, reducing inertia and improving critical acoustic isolation properties.
Linn Radikal LP12
Both products are expected to be available towards the end of October 2025.
MSRP (Klimax LP12/Radikal/Keel SE):
- US: $45,970/$16,820/$6,215
- UK: £32,220/£11,500/£4,250
- EU: €38,333/€13,680/€5,060
For more information visit the Linn website.
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