Upgrade my older Linn Sondek or move on?

@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.

If one could budget it, I would move on. As great as the Linn was, it was a pain and modern manufacturing has improved for less money ( relative). 

@tvrgeek 

Boy, you are not kidding. I owned two LP12s in succession. It was the best reasonably priced turntable in it's day, 1970s. But it was a PITA to live with and I rejoiced along with the HiFi press when David Fletcher released the SOTA Sapphire. It was the very first suspension turntable that was a joy to live with.