Upgrade my older Linn Sondek or move on?

I have a few friends who have Belt Drive TT's, I have shared this info before.

One TT is a Brand that is modern, one TT is a older model from a Brand and modified with OL Parts and the other is a LP12 of similar vintage as your own having undergone some of the available upgrades (note Linn are not the only Company with Upgrades on offer for the TT).

The demo'/comparisons were far from perfect, as a result of using different Tonearms and Cartridges on each TT.

The outcome reported from the attendees was that there was not too much to be discovered, and the Linn was as attractive in use as any other being demo'd.

There might be discovered within the Link some info that inspires you to keep on with the Linn.

  https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/linn-sondek-diy-mods-that-work.272570/ 

@noromance  If I sell the Linn the budget will be $3.5k.
@ghdprentice No local Linn dealer. I would have to do the upgrades myself. Not completely opposed to doing it, however I would like as close to as little set up as possible.

@pindac thank you for the link

@thermionicemission Not to split hairs but I was addressing ghd who is assuming you keep the Linn and therefore have $2k. I’m cognizant of the $3.5 ‐hence my recommendation for the $4k 1200G. A friend has had the Tangerine (modded) LP12 and much prefers the Technics.

I always wanted a Linn, but passed mainly because of the endless upgrades.

I went another wish list TT: VPI Prime.  Despite what others may say, it's rock solid-set and forget.

Clearaudio, EAT, and SOTA were also on the radar.

@thermionicemission Setting up the LP12 is unfortunately not that easy. Changing out the bearing, requires a compete re-build. Since the LP12 really needs a good tech to do the set up...and suffers if it is done incorrectly, as many folk here have discovered ( even though they thought their set up skills were up to the task! These very same folk then blame the table. vs. their inadequate set up skills), I would suggest another table , one that is set up by your dealer- or is easy to home set up. The Technics is pretty much open box and play.