Linn LP12 vs. VPI Classic 1 and 3

I owned a Linn LP-12 for 35 years and always said it was the ONE component I would never sell. It always sounded good to my ears but, when the Classic came out, I had to admit the time had come to make a change. With the return to a metal platter, the machining available on the Classic and the solidity of the entire platform and tonearm, I think it was a definite step up. Not day and night, as in the hyperbole sometimes heard in reviews, but better. The bearing is better as is the mass and associated speed accuracy of the platter.

The VPI arm also works better with its sibling than the Linn with several tonearms I have tried over the years. A bit like how the OS-10 operating system works better with Mac computers than does Windows with machines manufactured by other companies.

If you make the switch I think you will be happy you did. (BTW... I totally disagree with the poster who said the Linn was a POS. Not even close to the truth.)

Wynnosu, I agree with you. The poster who said the Linn is a POS either a) has never heard a Linn, or b) Has never heard a correctly set up Linn.
Did you have a chance to hear the Classic 1 vs. the Classic 2,3 or 4?
BTW, you have a great looking system.

Thanks for the compliment, Davey.

No, I didn't hear the other Classics. My dealer said the 2 was not that much of an improvement, just a little more convenience with VTA. Supposedly the 3 was a fair amount better with the better arm and chassis upgrades. But I can't comment from personal experience.

Most "philes have heard a well-set up Linn, problem is they don't stay that way for long.

It is not well-setup if it doesn't stay that way for long. A lie repeated enough times becomes the truth.