Linn Axis Integrated Belt-Driven Turntable

The Axis was introduced by Linn in 1987 as a lower cost and less specialist-orientated alternative to the LP12 Sondek. At that time Compact disc was just starting to take off in the UK, and the Axis was an attempt by Linn to lure mid-market audiophiles away from the new format. The Axis proved to be one of the best mid-market belt driven turntables of the 1980's. It was a better sounding deck than the cheaper, and rather crude, Rega Planar 2/3 decks despite the Rega arms being arguably superior to the Linn Basik Plus or Akito. Instead of a suspended sub-chassis like the LP12, the Axis had a non-adjustable rubber "suspension". It sold quite well, but the company shipped no where near as many of them is they did of the considerably more expensive LP12 which probably explains it's relatively short lifespan compared to it's high-end brother.

The Axis was only the second turntable model Linn made and it remained in production 1993. It was revised in 1991, with the Start/Stop switch moving to the top plate and the Akito tonearm replacing the Basik Plus arm of the original version. It had the same drive belt, lid and motor as the famous Linn Sondek LP12 but lacked the Sondek's suspended sub-chassis. The platter is a simlar design to the LP12 buts is made from a lighter alloy than that employed by it's big brother. It did, however, have a electronic power supply which varied the power going into the motor depending on the load and facilitated electronic speed selection (33 or 45 RPM). This facility was not available on the Sondek until the Lingo power supply came out (several years after the Axis was launched!). Potential purchasers should note that as the deck ages, the chances of it's motor control electronics failing increases and Linn are no longer willing to service them. I have seen a number of these on eBay with blown motor control boards.