Linn vs VPI?

I have both, I am a VPI dealer and I just bought a used Linn. Can't give a final answer because I am still getting the Linn properly set up. I disagree that the VPI is hard to set up, I have been setting them up since 1962,it seems to me that it is one of the simplest ones I have used. The unipivot arms are different but seem simpler to me than many of the standard arms. The Linn is harder but the difficulty was exaggerated in the past as part of the Linn "mystique". Worked on me, I sold other brands instead. The one I got has not been realigned since the 80s but sounded quite good. There are many good tables out there, buying used is the smart course. Something like the Thorens TD 126 or 125 are still good tables and can often be found relatively cheap. Just get a better mat. I find it hard to give general recommendations as buying used is a case by case thing depending on condition, arm , etc. Stan

Stanwal is right. To set up a Linn all you need is the setup manual. You
can get it online. Setup is time consuming , a lot of back and forth but it
can be done by anyone has turntable experience. Follow the manual and take
your time and it can be done. There is a setup stand that makes it easier to do
but it is going to cost ($300+) , if you can find one. I have seen them on A'gon
Joe

I had both a VPI HW-19 Mk II with acrylic arm board and a Linn LP-12 Valhala. The sonic differences between them, using an Origin Live RB-300, was that the VPI seemed to have deeper bass, which at times seemed a bit slow and turgid by comparison, whereas the Linn seemed to be more "up-beat" in terms of rhythm and pace but didn't seem to go as deep. I preferred the Linn but YMMV.

Great stuff guys, keep it coming!

i bought a new scoutmaster for a great price and it is the first turntable i've ever owned*. it was super easy to setup, even for a novice like me. granted, an "expert" may have done better, but i'm getting fabulous sound out of it despite being a vinyl noob.

*i bought a used rega planar 3 about five years ago in a vague attempt to try out vinyl, but i never bothered to really try to set it up properly, so i don't count this as turntable ownership. :)