Why so many linn lp12s for sale

There was some reviewer by Stereophile who kept his first
LP-12 all the time without any 'upgrade'. I myself think
that the platter and the bearing were always the best
parts of the Linn. If one checks how those are produced
one will get 'the picture'. But I hated those 3 springs
which needed re-adjustment all the time.

Daveyf I have not heard the most recent LP12, mine was 2004ish with lingo and
ekos ii. I was disappointed that an Orbe fitted with an ekos outperformed my
"renowned" dealer set up Linn as did a Roksan.
I think the Linn is fine if you like the sound. It is coloured, limited in detail
retrieval, scale and image production imho.
A few acquaintances have compared the Keeled Linn to the likes of the TW raven
etc and the Linn has been lacking.
The perceived wisdom in the UK is that the LP12 does need attention more than
most decks.
I listen to vinyl all the time now whereas my linn fell into disuse. Maybe the latest
ones with all the extras are better but at what cost.
For me, it is an outdated design with modifications which try to overcome it's
limitations.

Quirky,finicky, Brit engineered table...need I say more?

Dctom, you might want to go out and listen to a top shelf LP12. The Radikal is a MAJOR upgrade over the older Lingo....particularly the older shoe box version.
I also think the Kore or Keel sub chassis makes a nice improvement.
To state that a 2004 model isn't competitive with other more recent TT's isn't surprising, BUT take a Radikal D with Keel or Kore, and I think you may change your mind.

MANY years ago a rich friend of mine gave me an LP-12 when he moved to Europe , I did not know anything about it whatsoever, that it was the greatest etc etc.
I ended up giving it to a nephew because my AR-XA with Shure M-91ED sounded better.