Linn vs VPI?

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. :)

If you travel to a Linn dealer and he sets it up really well, then you drive it home, it will not loose anything. I think given a proper set up the Linn beats the VPI in warmth and transparency with acoustic instruments. If you are a rock 'n roller and love synthesizers and drum machines, get the VPI.

I just got my VPI HW-19 setup and running and one of the first things i noticed as i played my reference album (Apostrophe, Zappa) was the much greater bass than the Xpression. Also a much deeper soundstage. And it sounds louder, normal was 9 o'clock on the dial now i got it backed off to 8.

Gotta love this hobby

I've had a 25th anniversary LP12 for about 10 years and I'm really pleased with it. I have not heard the VPI so I cannot comment on that. I auditioned a number of turntables at the time including the Michell Gyrodec and Orbe and Pink Triangle PT Too - the Linn bettered all of these. I have the Lingo power supply, Ekos arm and Arkiv cartridge - vintage stuff these days. One of the things I like about Linn is how their equipment can be upgraded although it's not cheap. There are plenty of ways I can improve my deck. By the way, I have just got an Akurate DS and, whilst this sounds fantastic, it still does not measure up to the LP12.

Linn LP12 is highly colored. It is recommended for Systems which are really sharp, analytic and boring to listen to. It gives the "warmth" which is needed to survive more than 30 min. without getting problems. The big advantage is, you can get good loaded ones really cheap. Upgrades are always welcome and it is a pleasure to spend to get the feeling to be on par with modern units.
VPI has some nice upgrades and they don't change performance when your wife opens the window when you are out of house.
How about a Mitchel Gyrodeck?
It works, has no set up secrets and performs very well with a SME V.