Upgrade Linn LP 12 or buy new table

As a long time Sondek Lp12 owner (circa:1982), amongst other forays, and having much experience with the folks at Overture Audio of Ann Arbor over the years, I agree with casaross, who has covered the fundamentals nicely. For some, this TT may have gone out of style, but for anyone with two good ears, the music it will make is still quite compelling and relevant respectively.

Once again, a lot of opinions on how the LP12 sounds from those who have clearly NEVER heard a top flite LP12 Radikal D Klimax!
Anyone who says Linn tables have "inherent colorations" and would suggest a VPI or Clearaudio over a top elite LP12 IMHO is simply shooting from the hip.
All tables to a greater or lesser extent have colorations...as do all systems.
Again, IMHO the OP would be best served upgrading the LP12 that he already has and therefore I would agree with casaross.
For $3-4K a lot of excellent upgrades can be added, including a Cirkus and Kore and possibly a Lingo 3. The resulting table would easily see off a VPI Prime and many others in the same price range...or even considerably higher.

Sow's ear / silk purse problem.  A Linn is, at best, a refined AR.  Not up to current standards. 

Not shooting form the hip.  Actual experience says otherwise. 

I may be selling my 8 month-old VPI Prime.  Deciding whether to trade it in to a dealer or sell it privately.  If you interested, feel free to message me.  For the price, the Prime would be tough to beat.  I haven't heard of a Prime owner that hasn't loved it.  However, there are always other options out there that you may want to explore.   Can't comment on any other tables as I haven't auditioned many others than VPI tables. 

Actually the idea of the Sondek (sound deck) was gathered and improved from the concept of the Ariston RD11 which had parts being made by Castle Engineering (Ivor's father's shop) and was very similar to the AR XA conceived loosely from the Thorens TD150 as I recall. But who's pointing fingers anyway?

Your facts being inaccurate, seem to somewhat diminish your point to irrelevance. Just because it's an old, copied shoe box, doesn't mean it doesn't carry a tune accurately for a fair price and compete with new shiny, sleek plinths. Or at least that is my actual experience and what these ears hear.