Linn Sondek Hype


So, it seems after reading a few threads there is something of a prejudice against the sondek. Well after now owning one I am not sure that it is warranted, to say it simply, I am in love. I mean wow, just plain old floored. Of course I also have Mcintosh equipment, so I am used to reading how horrible my stuff is. I am just wondering if the little table from Ikea is really a viable table for the Linn. I got a great deal on the Linn, but I am now broke, so cheap suggestions only.
gsxr750ccs
Is it possible to mount the wall shelf to a back brace and add a stabilizing footer that protrudes to the front the same depthe as the shelf and that way it is moveable? Or if you have the shopbench and can make that work until you can afford the stand you want. That would save patching holes in drywall later.
A lot of opinions are generated about Linn but mine is positive. Most products in this hobby have an upgrade path so I do not belive that is a legit complaint. I have owned my Linn for about 12+ years and have upgraded to the Cirkus, Lingo, Ekos, and Trampolin, and I am also in love. My cartidge path has included Audio Technica, Benz Glider, to Shelter 90X. I believe I could recoup a sizeable portion of my investment based on Agon pricing. I too have toyed with newer tables (Avid, VPI) but happily decided to remain with my Linn. I don't even object to the cost of the annual tune up which by the way is the only time other than an upgrade that my table sees the daeler.....it has operated flawlessly. The Keel upgrade which I belive is simply overpriced, caused the table to receive a Stereophile "class A" rating. Before the Keel it was a traditionally solid "class B borderline class A." Nonetheless it is not hype if you believe....and it sounds like you do.
I've some excellent sounding Linns. If you're happy, stick with it.

Linn turned me off way back in the 1970s with some rediculous hype (your thread title brought it to mind). They claimed that you couldn't sing along with direct drive TT. Of course, tens of millions of teenagers in the USA were listening to radio and singing along for many years, all driven by DD TTs. My own TT was a direct drive Luxman. I had no trouble playing my trumpet along with the Music Minus One LPs that I own.

That out and out lie along with poor dealers in my area. They were unable to demonstrate any superiority to my Luxman. Oh, maybe my Luxman was better. Who knows, the Luxman is long gone.

Despite Linn's founder's hyper exaggerated claims, the product IS very good. I suspect that you'll be happy staying with it.

Dave
I've been most satisfied with my Linn Axis. It sounds better than ever with some recent system upgrades and has operated flawlessly since I bought it over 20 years ago.

It sits on a 60+ lb solid oak coffee table and operates flawlessly at any volume despite sitting forward of and off to the left of the speaks in a small 12X12 room.

I dread the day I might have to replace it.
The one thing I notice about the Linn, is that it has specific music that it just absolutely shines, others, it kinda dumps out. I really like Don Mclean, but have never heard him sound as terrible as it does on the Linn. It gets frustrating to me as I am not sure what is acting poorly, Ie: the record, the player, the preamp, ect.... Starting into this stuff is so intimidating.