A 50th anniversary is usually celebrated with a special anniversary version such as this Linn Sondek LP12. Special: design elements by Jony Ive.
Jony Ive was the designer for Apple, who among other things signed for (parts of) the design of the iPod, iPhone and AirPods there. In 2019, he left that company, to start working for himself. One of his first designs was a clown nose (charity project), but he naturally picks up more “serious” things as well. In fact, his first hardware project was modifying various design elements in the Linn Sondek LP12 anniversary version. Very much the manufacturer did not dare to have it changed, for fear of altering the sound. So the modifications are very subtle, but that is perhaps what makes it attractive. Incidentally, a new bearing for the player – completely unrelated to this anniversary model and modified design – appeared earlier.
Aluminum on/off button
Most striking part of the Linn Sondek LP12 is perhaps the distinguished power button made of aluminum. It replaces the standard plastic rocker switch. Furthermore, you will find rounded instead of pointed corners on several parts. And there is a hinge that allows the dust cover to remain open in any position without falling shut again. Nice additions that make the standard model truly an anniversary model. By the way, Ivy and his company LoveFrom did this project for free because he is a big fan of Linn.
Should you want to score such a special anniversary version of the Linn Sondek LP12 then hurry. After all, only 250 copies were made. Moreover, the player comes with a hefty price tag: $60,000.