What would you chose? VPI MKIII vs. Linn LP-12

I have/had both. I replaced the Linn with a Michell Orbe and never looked back. I think the LP12 is overly fussy and a PITA to ste up (spring bounce). I have a VPI
HW19Mk3/mod'd Rb300 in a second system. I mainly use it to play my older 60's-80's purchased LP's. It may not be the most resolving TT but it is musical and sounds great with new and old LP's. I was really taken by suprise how good it sounds. My friend uses a MkIV and it sounds great as well. The nice thing about it is that you can upgrade it gradually with PSU's, SAMA, acrylic or the older heavier platter.
I'm curious that you are choosing btwn two TT's at opposite ends of the spectrum. I think there are so many TT's out there as good or better than a LP12. If you do a lot of listening to used LP's and rock I'd go with the VPI. I never heard a LP12 (my own or any dealers) do justice to older rock Lp's. My Michell totally trounced my Linn in that dept.
Any chance to go with a Basis? There is a used 2500 w/o arm for sale. I've heard that TT w a Graham 2.2 and really liked it. It's an awesome deck.

Dear Jemm: If you go for the VPI up-grade then you could consider a VPI tonearm.

here are some good options for a different tonearm:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1267456794&/Rega-RB700

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1267295574&/Signet-XK50

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1266720501&/Jelco-SA-750D

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1266519737&/Audio-Technica-ATP-12T

and for a new cartridge this one is very good:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ortofon-M20FL-Super-MM-cartridge-M-20-FL-Super-NOS_W0QQitemZ120492170569QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0de49d49#ht_2634wt_1165

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Raul,

Thanks for you help with tonearm recommendations. The Audio Technica certainly looks interesting. Upgrading the VPI may be the best way for me to go.

Regards,

I had a VPI HW-19 Mk II with Rega RB-300 and still have a Linn LP-12 with Origin Live modded RB-250. The VPI seemed to have deeper bass but the Linn seemed to sound more up-beat with more pace. They're both good turntables but they do sound different. I preferred the Linn but I can see how others might go the other way.

To all Linn LP-12 owners
I decided to try adjusting the ant-skating less then the factory settings. Example my Arkiv Linn Cartridge is set at 1.75 grams tracking force. And now my anti-skating is set at 1.6 instead of 1.75 that Linn has recommended.
Put on a record that you're familiar with and try it.
I'm sure you'll be amazed after doing this!