BTW I’m not dumping on the Linn. Nor saying the AR -- as is -- is great.
But the basic design of the AR may be superior - if the key parts are upgraded. The inter-locking pieces of the spindle/center/platter than cancel resonances is magic. but you need a new bearing and thrust doohickey (various types). The arm was crap. The motors were only "decent" 60 years ago, and parts unobtanium. Mine has all those machined and fixed.
My LP12 OTOH is far from latest. Maybe 15-20 years old. So the latest motor control, latest arm boards (far more rigid and dead) are not part of the package. And yet it too is musical in its way - but less dynamic than the AR and less detail too. Or at least mine, as it stands today.
But those who have not heard a proper AR are missing a great. At least for the money invested, which including arm, subchassis, bearing, motor, motor power supply, cart/bah blah is probably $1k-$1300 all in. Some assembly required.
An LP 12 setup like mine can be found, used, in good condition for $1100-$1700 too. Or could be when i picked up mine, mostly as a spare.
And lets face it - tables are only as good as setup and few have the time, patience and skill to set them up right, so much is academic.
