Any experience with the new Linn Sondek upgrades?

I have what up until earlier this year would have been called a maxed out LP12. It has been a great table for me, but I have no plan at all to upgrade to the Ekos SE from my Ekos II. I am considering the Keel, but I'm not at all sure I'll plunge.

Eventhough the Keel is a remarkable sonic improvement, at 3k it is simply overpriced. After all, 3K will buy a fine second turntable (say an Origin Live Resolution or a used Michell Orb, if I'm lucky), and I've always like the idea of owning more than one table anyway.

Without realizing it, I think Linn is undermining their customer base with current pricing. They are leading even the faithful to conclude perhaps they have ridden the Scottish train far enough and it may be time to check out the other lines.

The good Mr. Sayles and I are on the same wavelength with respect to the LP12. But we do diverge dramatically in our opinion of Linn electronics, of which I am most fond, and don't find lacking in musicality in the least. But I believe he is a tube guy, and I most certainly am not.

Rgurney's point is well taken, you certainly don't have to use Linn tonearms or cartridges on an LP12. But I think some caution is in order with respect to tonearms.

A lot of newer tonearms are quite heavy (e.g. the SME and higher range Origin Live)compared to the Ekos, and these don't work optimally with the LP12's suspension. And an Ekos II is a great tonearm, and purchased used is a very good buy at around $1500. I really don't think one can find a better tonearm in this price range for an LP12.

Cartridges are a different matter altogether - no limitations here. I actually think the Akiva is amazingly good (made by Lyra) but not cheap. The Klyde is nice enough (made by Goldring), but over priced by a few hundred dollars. The entry level Adikt (around $350) is very compelling for the money - actually my favorite mm cartridge.