Linn Radikal Standard Power Supply

Speed stability is not an academic concern on a turntable — it is one of the primary determinants of timing, pitch, and the sense that music is happening as a coherent event rather than a series of notes. The Radikal is Linn's solution to motor control on the LP12, and it represents a different class of performance from anything that came before it in the LP12's history.

The Radikal Standard replaces the Lingo as the step up in motor control, and it sits below the Klimax Radikal in the range. For most LP12 owners, it is the correct Radikal choice — the Klimax version takes things further, but the Standard already delivers reference-grade speed stability that transforms how the LP12 sounds.

How It Works

The Radikal uses a brushed DC motor rather than the AC synchronous motor in Lingo-equipped LP12s. DC motor technology allows Linn to implement active digital speed management — the system checks and corrects platter speed on every single rotation. If friction changes slightly as the bearing warms up, or as the stylus loads the platter, the Radikal compensates immediately. The result is a platter speed that stays closer to 33⅓rpm than any comparable system.

The motor control electronics are housed in a separate outboard enclosure, physically removed from the LP12 plinth to prevent electrical and mechanical noise from the motor from contaminating the record replay. The housing is acoustically designed to keep motor vibration out of the listening room. Both 33⅓ and 45 rpm are supported with electronic speed switching.

The Radikal also provides a regulated, low-noise power supply output for the Urika and Urika II internal phono stages. Running the Urika from the Radikal's supply rather than a separate mains-derived source removes a significant source of noise from the phono stage circuit.

Radikal Standard vs Klimax Radikal

Both versions use the same motor control technology and the same DC motor. The Klimax Radikal adds a bespoke Utopik power supply — nearly 14 kg of machined aluminium housing — with fully independent, dedicated output rails for motor control and Urika power. The separation and regulation in the Klimax supply are significantly more refined, and the result is audibly cleaner. For LP12 builds at Klimax level, the Klimax Radikal is the correct choice. For Selekt-level builds and the majority of reference LP12 configurations, the Standard Radikal is the upgrade that matters.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The Radikal Standard is for LP12 owners on Lingo or below who want to make the most significant improvement to speed stability available on the platform. It is the correct upgrade for Selekt-level builds and any LP12 where pitch accuracy, timing, and musical coherence are priorities. The improvement over Lingo is substantial and immediately apparent.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968, and the Linn range has been part of what we do for years. We are still family-run — Ted Martin's daughter Elizabeth runs the business today — and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind.

Fitting the Radikal involves motor replacement and internal wiring, and correct installation requires professional LP12 knowledge — Martins can carry out the full fitting as part of our LP12 servicing work.

Reach them at dave@martinshifi.co.uk, chris@martinshifi.co.uk, info@martinshifi.co.uk, call on 01603 627010, or WhatsApp Dave or Chris directly on 07554 687137. You can read more about who we are and how we work on our Why Martin's page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY, open six days a week.

Contact: info@martinshifi.co.uk | 01603 627010 | WhatsApp: 07554 687137 | 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY