Is their really any magic to it? or is it just BS to keep it a mysterious deck that only a talented few can get it set up correctly? or is it just like any other deck?

Any deck that needs constant attention and fondling with oh err is surely broken?

I gotta admit the biggest beef I had with my LP12 was the way the suspension crept from good to bad even after replacing the springs and gromits etc...it got on me piggin nerves it did.

Suggesting that a deck is broken because it needs regular maintenance is a bit like saying a car doesn't work because it needs regular servicing. There are decks which need much less servicing by virtue of their design, but even virtually serviceless decks need fettling once in a while (even unsuspended decks need the bearing oil looked at and the belt replaced if they have one). So many people seem to think that just because it's doing a simple job, the deck in question shouldn't need servicing.

As it happens the LP12 is infamous for needing a bit more (quite a bit more) regular fettling. Some people claim not to hear the deck having gone 'off' but that's just because the change is slow and they're used to hearing it that way. A service usually elicits gasps from the unbelieving owner.

As to being a black art, no doubt that I can't setup an LP12 as well as my colleagues in the shop - I never need to do it. But according to them, it's a question of being methodical and thorough. As to cost, a proper service is a complete strip down and rebuild using new springs and grommets I believe. The job can take between 2 and 4 hours - different LP12s react differently. It's just a question of age, condition, arm etc. Some decks decide they'll bounce correctly and some will not and need coaxing. The lastest springs and grommets hold in place longer than the old ones so a service should only take place every 18 months or so.

then you put it in the car, take it home and find its moved again

thats what happened to me....then the dealer brought his fixture and new spring n grommets etc....spend half a day getting it to bounce nicely.....2 weeks later and it was so far out it could have kept a hoola hoop going !

I have tweaked the gyrodec twice in 4 years ....no contest !

In fairness, that used to be the case but the different materials used on the latest grommets holds much better than the old ones. A (carefully driven) car ride shouldn't move the suspension.

Of course, I love my Michell and it's true that they do not go off tune...ever!

Then again, my colleagues in the shop would argue the Michells are never in tune in the first place...

I hear you JSB, but modern LP12s have much less of the mid-bass bloom than older ones, and adding a Naim Aro tonearm or the Keel/Radikal removes almost all of that (while introducing other benefits). So, from one who doesn't much get on with the Linn LP12, that's not really an issue nowadays. They like something engaging and they love their rock'n'roll/c&w/rock, though they're not really into classical, to which you really shouldn't be tapping your foot in most cases anyway!