Is a Linn Sondek LP12/Lingo/Ekos with a Cirkus update, the last turntable I’ll ever buy?

@atmasphere The Veblen effect you mention is certainly a very important aspect when it comes to high end audio. I have spoken to several manufacturers who have told me outright that they are required to either a) have a high price on their wares or b) increase the price across their range, in order to appeal to a certain type of buyer. This has nothing to do with the value, and everything to do with the marketing- and their rep’s insistence. Problem is, for those folk, who I count myself one of, the actual ability to acquire the piece and truly enjoy it is diminished. Additionally, the consumer who shops solely on price is likely to get tired quickly of their acquisition and always be unsure of what it is that they bought...another er, psychological, effect. Happens in a number of hobbies and endeavors, unfortunately this one being one of the most prevalent .

BTW, there is a well known US amp manufacturer who has recently just about doubled his pricing across his range, due to exactly what you describe. His just acquired marketing manager is behind this..same exact product, now twice the price...in order to appeal to his hoped for new audience!!

I feel you as the young folks say.  Veblen or diminished return I'm staying put unless the change/upgrade is mouth dropping, which right or wrong is my criteria for establishing value.  I have only had a couple of these over the years: the first time I heard the Keel, a Boulder Pre-Amp, The Watt Puppy, and Mye Stands on Maggies to name a few.

12-17-2018 2:33pm
Interesting to compare the setups in the two factories!

"While recent sales of new turntables have been between 300 and 700 per year, Linn tells us the higher proportion of sales is attributed to upgrades. Owners can send their decades-old LP12 to the Linn factory to be upgraded to current day specification – yes, even those purchased over 40 years ago. www.whathifi.com/features/making-linn-sondek-lp12
With such a small yearly production, I am not surprised there are so few dealers and that Linn has taken over their distribution in the US.
Technics makes more turntables in two weeks than Linn makes in a year!
www.whathifi.com/features/the-making-of-technics-sl-1000r

To say that Gilad (the son of Linn’s founder) has no interest in their LP12 tables is total nonsense. I went to an event last spring and listened to Gilad and another team member do a 30 min presentation (the first in the world) on the new Karousel bearing. These guys exhibited excitement and passion for this thing. It was all they talked about. I got to talk to him for like ten mins afterword. Very cool guy!

They had two Klimax level LP12s which were identical except the one had the new Karousel. Played through Exakt Akubarik speakers. The sound was amazing. Way out of my price league but still. The new bearing did bring much to the table. I also listened to several other tables at this invite only event in the $20K range and I preferred the Linn. 

@photomax +1.  Unfortunately, like many threads about the LP12, there are always a lot of folks who have no issue with posting--total nonsense! Doesn't stop them from putting their 2 cents in nonetheless.