Is the "standard" Linn Sondek LP-12 surpassed by newer turntable brands and designs??

Garrard made the 301 and 401 starting from the mid 50's up to the mid 70's I believe. they are killer tables if cared for and upgraded with a good plinth. I left an oracle Delphi mk3 behind for a late 50's grease bearing 301 and its wonderful. the 401 had a better motor but other issues so a lot of people combine the 301 with the 401 motor for the ultimate Garrard.  They are what's called a rim drive transcription table use primarily in radio stations but also seen in homes. if you can get one a good table cost around $2k then you need an arm, cart and good plinth. well worth the money. check out
http://www.garrard501.com/

that's Loricraft audio they make some wonderful mods and have parts, pinths and rebuild  etc.  there is many others that work with these tables SMD is another that comes to mind.

Garrard 301 1954 to 1965, 401 1965- late 70's

http://www.garrard501.com/history.html

Dear Jim,

It is a popular and understandable misconception that the Linn is a "tweaker's dream". The fact is that once you have settled on a basis (such as the Valhalla, perhaps with the glued rather than spot-welded sub-chassis) then no further alterations are required.

"Setup" means exactly what it says : once the turntable is properly established in your listening room no further action is necessary.

In this regard the LP12 could actually be less troublesome than most others. For example, main bearing lubrication does not require service. It is a once in a lifetime exercise (only in the unlikely event that the previous owner spilled the contents of the Bearing Well in transit!). Many other turntables require you to re-lube every year - which I find a PITA by comparison.

The Linn's mechanical parts are unburstable and will last for as long as you want to keep the turntable.

Although I appreciate the enthusiasm for old Garrards, rim drive never held any appeal for me, perhaps from my tape-enthusiast standpoint ;^)

If you wish to fully experience the depth of feeling for the LP12 you should take a trip over to PFM and you'll get vastly more information there.

To Moonglum Thank you for the  additional information  However, I still think the LP-12 is a tweaker's  table. I worked in the audio business from 1976 through 1991. My last tenure in a middle to high end store, that offered such fare as Yamaha,  Nakamichi,  McIntosh, Dalhquist, KEF, etc.  Even though, the shop did not sell Linn products, occasionally. a high-end tire kicker would find his way into the store, and drone on about how great his audio system, and that he owned a Linn LP-12. Without missing a beat, he exalted in how he had slaved over the set-up of the table, and the importance of ancillaries  to get the best from the table. His monologue was also aimed to denigrate the equipment sold by our shop.  I must have encountered at least 10 such non-customers with almost the same rap.  

Therefore based on some of the point you made in your first e-mail and my own experience with LP -12"cultist,  I believe that a used LP-12 potentially offers more risk than an other brand's new table.  However, I respect your comments, and  knowledge of the LP-12 history.   Good Luck    (BTW,  who or what is PFM)

To noromance,   That is a great looking system you have put together.