I agree that the Linn can be bettered, but it is still quite a nice table that would be satisfactory for many listeners. I had one for many years, and liked it alot.
Regarding the differences, one easy way to check is to look at the power switch. If it is a large square RED button, then it is an early model, either standard or Nirvana upgrade. If the power switch is a square black button with a small red LED indicator light, then it is a Valhalla power supply model. All of these use the same bearing. There are only differences in springs between the original and Nirvana models. The Valhalla has all Nirvana upgrades as well as the Valhalla power supply. When the later upgrades became available, they changed the main bearing and subchassis with the Cirkus upgrade. The Trampolin was just an add on suspension modification that had a second set of springs and a platform that went on the bottom. The Lingo is an outboard add-on power supply. Most of the upgrades are controversial, but the Valhalla units are probably the best for the least money. The Trampolin is probably the least respected upgrade, and is likely not worth doing. In any event, a Valhalla LP12 is a good table that will serve you well. Be advised that most Valhalla tables are now getting old, and the Valhalla power supplies are showing higher failure rates. If speed control is not good, the Valhalla unit is likely bad. This is not expensive, nor difficult to replace.
Many people could be happy for life with a table of this sound quality. Not the very best, but quite competent in performance.
Regarding the differences, one easy way to check is to look at the power switch. If it is a large square RED button, then it is an early model, either standard or Nirvana upgrade. If the power switch is a square black button with a small red LED indicator light, then it is a Valhalla power supply model. All of these use the same bearing. There are only differences in springs between the original and Nirvana models. The Valhalla has all Nirvana upgrades as well as the Valhalla power supply. When the later upgrades became available, they changed the main bearing and subchassis with the Cirkus upgrade. The Trampolin was just an add on suspension modification that had a second set of springs and a platform that went on the bottom. The Lingo is an outboard add-on power supply. Most of the upgrades are controversial, but the Valhalla units are probably the best for the least money. The Trampolin is probably the least respected upgrade, and is likely not worth doing. In any event, a Valhalla LP12 is a good table that will serve you well. Be advised that most Valhalla tables are now getting old, and the Valhalla power supplies are showing higher failure rates. If speed control is not good, the Valhalla unit is likely bad. This is not expensive, nor difficult to replace.
Many people could be happy for life with a table of this sound quality. Not the very best, but quite competent in performance.