New Turntable Direction

I have had my Linn for 25+ yrs and have done many of the upgrades including the Keel. Last year when I retired I bought a VPI Classic Signature on a sale from Upscale Audio—just to hear something different. I still have my Linn and I often A/B the tables on the same LP. Totally different tables and arms and cartridges—but I really like both! One does not “blow away” the other. Sometimes we just need a change and why not try something else after all these years?

If you like your table, I would keep it, maybe invest in a Keel, which is supposed to bring large improvements and just go with a new set of springs and a general tuneup.  There is also that new lower-priced Keel that Linn makes.  Or just get the tuneup and let it go.  There are some very expensive upgrades for the Linn and you don't have to buy them just because they exist.  

I would love a linn....even the new sondek majik with the pro-ject evo arm to start. However. There is really noone locally that sells them, and online dealers refuse or cannot sell them beyond their local area. Some day I will own one. Honestly, one of the most beautiful and iconic turntables ever produced. I then can complete my all made in scottland system which currently includes tannoys and sugden....

I was a less committed Linnie when I discovered Nottingham Analogue.

Long long ago I auditioned quite a bit, but whenever I auditioned the latest and greatest LP12, it was never that much better than my Basic. Maybe it was setup, or I had an exceptional cartridge, can't say, but I never did hear enough difference to justify the money. Then I heard a NA Hyperspace, and on a leap of faith bought the precursor to the Dais, unheard. Now THAT was a sonic leap.

The next time I heard that much improvement was my DIY all-air-bearing turntable.

The big limitation of the NA is that they have NO suspension. That works for me because my TT's rest on massive cabinets bolted to the (house) frame and bolted to concrete, which is poured onto the granite of a tectonic plate. Also, far from the nearest highway or railroad track, and even a good distance from the nearest commercial establishment. So it's real quiet.

Also, the NA works well with the biggest bargain in high end audio: TransFi Terminator air bearing tonearm, the best tonearm south of the cost of a new car. IMO. Anyway, works for me. YMMV

Former LP12 Valhalla owner here. I now have 2 refurbished Garrard 401s with 12" Jelco 850L. One is modified, the other mostly original. See my profile for photos. While the LP12 does tiny detail very well, it loses out in every other category like PRAT -so no need to worry on that score.
There is some work involved in getting a vintage table sorted but lots of folks will help you on the journey.
If I was looking for an out of the box table without the worry of se-up, I would get a Technics 1200G or a George Merrill REAL.