Karousel: a new, innovative precision-engineered design which will improve vinyl reproduction from every LP12 ever made.

The unique single-point bearing, combined with the acoustic isolation of the turntable design, were the foundations on which Linn was established in 1973, the bearing design even providing the inspiration for the Linn logo.

Testament to its ground-breaking design, the basic principles of the bearing have remained and Karousel is only the third evolution of this design in almost 50 years. This innovative take on the design for 2020 has been made possible by technological developments    
around the material science, machining capabilities and mechanical engineering expertise gained from almost half a century of designing and manufacturing the world’s best turntable.

Refined Motion

Innovations in design combined with new material selection in critical parts of the bearing result in smoother rotation for better sound. The spindle is better supported thanks to improved tolerances of the bearing liners,  improving the ‘noise floor’ of the turntable and in turn, musical reproduction.

Greater Stability

A stronger coupling has been achieved between the platter, spindle, bearing housing and sub-chassis,thanks to the Stainless Steel material chosen and the new design implemented. A key part of this new design is the substantial lock-nut fastening which increases rigidity at what was previously the weakest point. A stronger housing for the thrust pad, combined with a smaller, stiffer form that supports the platter rotation and mass. These changes combined lead to the reduction of noise for more accurate vinyl reproduction.

Longer Lasting

Karousel’s reduction in friction means that it will last longer and continue to give incredibly accurate listening pleasure to the very highest standard for longer than ever before.

Lock-nut fastening

The new lock-nut fastening method means quicker and easier removal and replacement without the need for the sub-chassis to be removed, affecting suspension/tonearm setup. In addition, the removable ‘thrust pad cap’ allows draining, cleaning and close inspection of the critical pad surface of the bearing for wear without removing it completely from the turntable.

Cirkus End Of Line

The Karousel bearing replaces the previoulsy available Cirkus bearing upgrade kit.

Compatibility

The Karousel bearing is physically compatible with all current and historic Linn turntable configurations, however it must not be used with    
Nirvana or Valhalla PSUs or 3rd party clones of these as electrical safety protection issues can carry potential fatal risks. We also anticipate some incompatibility with thrid-party top-plates and sub-chassis.

Linn Karousel Bearing 3D Model