From LP12 to where...?

I had an LP-12 and also bought from Linn, a dealer's set up manual. It was about 50 pages or so, had a gray cover, and revealed lots of "secrets" in getting the setup right. I think if you pursue the self-care of the table, you will be successful. I suspect your dealer is just telling you of his worth and how monetarily valuable he is. I thought the setup was tedious, but not impossible. I ultimately got a VPI Superscoutmaster which is better, but also more expensive.

I also am a recent 'long time ex-Linn owner'. I dutifully did all the upgrades for 20 years and like you, the cost of the Keel upgrade gave me pause. A couple of options to consider:

1. If you like the sound of the Linn, take the time and effort to learn the set-up. Up to date Linns do not require the frequent adjustments of earlier incarnations. Also consider the Origin Live motor upgrade and a proper stand. Both make a difference.

2. If you are considering a change; the tables suggested here are worthy of a listen. I would add to the list the Galibier Serac turntable with Artisan arm and Dynavector 17D3 cartridge. This combination is sold at a package price and fits your stated budget.

Good luck.

Thanks for all the feedback, I guess that I would be better off finacially to invest in Linn Table frame or possibly build on in my shop. I have a dealer that doe an excellent job of setting these up. As a fact he has them sent to him across the country for his set up. I know that I can always have him do it, but I feel somewhat captive by that one stop scenerio. If I move or he quits I am where I don't want to be. I do love the sound and like that fact that the table can virtually be rebuilt time and time again. So I can probably learn to do it myself and get through that. But I have the problem ,that if I don't have a concrete floor, dealing with the skipping. I got some ideas here that I can look at. And one last note to mofi, I think I'll buy the McIntosh Turntable! Nanner nanner nanner nanner:)

There is absolutely NO mystery as to how to set up a Linn and it all comes down to either learning how to do it yourself (and learning something about both your table and yourself along the way, as well as saving some time and cash), or being eternally indebted to someone who may or may not really either know or care about what they're doing. Linn created this mystique to give their "dealers" something to do (and some $), as well as creating the doctrine of non-modification and the "if you touch this incorrectly it will be impaired forever" myth. C'mon, it's working on a turntable, not brain surgery...!....And, BTW, a good dealer would let you watch the entire process over his shoulder.

-Richard

PS - Everyone here is correct - for the money, there are many tables that will blow away a Linn. This coming from a (former) 10-year Linn owner.

I liked my LP12 Lingo a lot but gave it up after a misadventure with the wrong arm (Graham: too heavy) and the setup problems that resulted. Sort of wish I had kept my first LP12 Valhalla/SME IIIs/Shure V15 because it was great for what it cost, but goodness knows you just have to ;o) upgrade a Linn...

I got a Scheu Premier Mark II with a Scheu Cantus arm and an AT33PTG. I'm just getting the setup (VTA, VTF, overhang, loading etc.) dialed in but I can tell I'm going to love the new one as much as or more than the old. Setup is a snap!

I sold the Graham and my best cart, a Koetsu Rosewood Sig, to pay for this and other changes. I hope one day to get as good an arm and cart as the ones I sold, to fit on the Scheu, but right now, I'm very happy.