Linn LP12 Kore Sub-Chassis | Akurate Performance Upgrade | Martins Hi-Fi

Rigidity that reveals the music.

The Kore sub-chassis transforms your LP12 with engineered stiffness and damping control. Three bonded aluminium layers and a precision-machined armboard create a rock-solid platform for your tonearm. More detail, tighter bass, deeper silence. This is the upgrade that brings your LP12 to Akurate-level performance.

Features & Benefits

Multi-Layer Aluminium Construction

Three layers of 1.5mm aluminium bonded with Linn-specified adhesive create exceptional rigidity without excessive mass. The box-section design resists flex and twist far more effectively than single-layer designs. Your cartridge operates from a stable reference, tracking grooves with new precision.

Controlled Damping Strategy

Unwanted resonances are eliminated through careful material selection and bonding. The Kore allows the LP12's suspended subchassis to work as Ivor Tiefenbrun intended—isolating the platter and arm from external vibration whilst providing an inert platform internally.

Precision-Machined Armboard

Solid aluminium armboard with reinforcing ribs on the underside provides ultimate stiffness at the critical tonearm mounting point. No flex, no movement—just a direct mechanical path from stylus to bearing. Tracking accuracy improves dramatically.

Integrated Armboard/Sub-Chassis Design

The armboard bonds directly to the sub-chassis, creating properties approaching a single-piece construction. Your tonearm mounts to a structure connected directly to the LP12's bearing—the shortest, stiffest path for accurate signal retrieval.

Weight-Optimised Engineering

Despite superior rigidity, Kore maintains appropriate mass for the LP12's suspended design. The engineering achieves stiffness through geometry and bonding rather than bulk. The subchassis retains the dynamic behaviour that makes the LP12 special.

Akurate-Level Performance

Kore represents the essential structural upgrade on the pathway to Akurate specification. Combined with quality power supply and cartridge, Kore-equipped LP12s deliver performance that satisfies serious audiophiles without requiring Klimax investment.

Tonearm Compatibility

Works with all LP12-compatible tonearms including Linn's Ekos, Akito, and third-party arms. The precisely machined armboard accepts standard mounting dimensions. Your chosen tonearm benefits immediately from the enhanced platform.

Foundation for Further Upgrades

Kore provides the structural integrity needed to reveal improvements from subsequent upgrades—better cartridges, power supplies, or phono stages. Without this foundation, other upgrades cannot show their full potential.

Technical Specifications

Construction

• Sub-Chassis Material: 1.5mm aluminium (three-layer bonded construction)
• Design: Multi-layer box-section for maximum rigidity
• Bonding: Linn-specified adhesive for optimal damping
• Weight: Optimised for LP12 suspended design

Armboard

• Material: Solid aluminium
• Machining: Precision CNC manufacturing
• Reinforcement: Underside ribbing for enhanced stiffness
• Integration: Bonded to sub-chassis (semi-monocoque design)
• Arm Mounting: Standard LP12 tonearm dimensions

Performance Benefits

• Rigidity: Multi-layer construction eliminates flex
• Damping Control: Unwanted resonances removed
• Bearing Connection: Direct mechanical path from arm to bearing
• Tracking Accuracy: Improved stylus-to-groove contact
• Noise Floor: Lower mechanical noise transmission

Compatibility

• Turntable: Sondek LP12 (all generations)
• Tonearms: All LP12-compatible arms (Ekos, Akito, Aro, third-party)
• Replaces: Standard LP12 sub-chassis and armboard
• Upgrade Path: Stepping stone to Keel sub-chassis

Specification Level

• Category: Akurate-level structural upgrade
• Position: Essential upgrade between base LP12 and Klimax specification
• Recommended With: Quality power supply (Lingo, Radikal) and cartridge

Installation Requirements

• Complete LP12 disassembly required
• Professional installation strongly recommended
• Suspension setup and cartridge re-alignment necessary
• Bearing inspection advisable during installation

Origin

• Designed and manufactured in Scotland

Supplied Components

• Kore sub-chassis assembly
• Integrated machined armboard
• Mounting hardware
• Installation documentation

Why Buy from Martins Hi-Fi

As Linn LP12 specialists, we'll assess your turntable's current specification and explain where Kore fits in your upgrade pathway. Our Norwich demonstration facilities feature LP12s with various sub-chassis options, allowing direct comparison between standard, Kore, and Keel configurations. We provide professional installation by Linn-trained engineers, complete LP12 setup including bearing service and suspension optimisation, and lifetime support. Trade-in allowances available against your existing sub-chassis.

Call: 01603 627010 | Email: info@martinshifi.co.uk

FAQ Section

Q: What's the difference between Kore and Keel sub-chassis?
Keel is Linn's ultimate single-piece machined aluminium sub-chassis offering maximum rigidity and the shortest possible signal path. Kore uses bonded multi-layer construction to achieve excellent rigidity at lower cost. Kore delivers Akurate-level performance; Keel reaches Klimax standards. Both represent substantial upgrades over standard subchassis. We'll demonstrate the difference during your visit.

Q: When should I upgrade to Kore?
Typically after you've addressed the power supply (Lingo or better) and before investing in top-tier cartridges or tonearms. Kore provides the structural foundation that allows better components to reveal their capabilities. Without adequate subchassis rigidity, expensive cartridges and arms cannot perform optimally.

Q: Can I install Kore myself?
We strongly advise against it. Kore installation requires complete LP12 disassembly, bearing removal, suspension adjustment, and precise cartridge realignment. LP12 setup is specialist work requiring proper tools, jigs, and experience. Incorrect installation can damage components or leave your LP12 performing below its potential.

Q: Will Kore work with my existing tonearm?
Yes. The Kore armboard accepts all LP12-compatible tonearms using standard mounting dimensions. Whether you're running Linn's Ekos, Akito, Aro, or quality third-party arms, Kore provides immediate benefits. Your existing arm will track more accurately on Kore's rigid platform.

Q: How much improvement will I hear?
Kore delivers noticeable gains in bass control, midrange clarity, and high-frequency detail. Background noise drops, stereo imaging becomes more stable, and dynamic contrasts increase. Most owners describe hearing familiar records with new insight—subtle details previously masked by mechanical noise become audible.

Q: Should I upgrade to Kore or save for Keel?
This depends on your LP12's overall specification and your budget. If your LP12 features mid-level components (Lingo power supply, decent cartridge), Kore provides excellent performance that matches the rest of your system. If you're building towards Klimax specification throughout, Keel might be the better long-term choice. We'll advise based on your specific LP12 and upgrade goals.

Hear the Kore transformation in our Norwich demonstration rooms with LP12 turntables at various specification levels. Our specialists will explain your LP12's upgrade pathway and help you understand where Kore fits in your turntable's evolution.

Call: 01603 627010 | Email: info@martinshifi.co.uk