Linn vs VPI?

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.

The Michell sounds interesting. I will keep my eyes open...thanks for the tip.

I looked into getting a Herbies mat as recommended in one of the earlier posts. What thickness do you use or recommend?

As the MM comes with a felt mat, I just got the thinnest one. The one you would use for a Linn. I bet you will be really surprised at the improvement.

I have had both a Linn Axis, an LP12 and a highly modified VPI HW19 - I liked the VPI better in the long road with MC cartridges.