audiophiles who are just getting the itch to upgrade

I hope for everyone's sake or we may all be selling our gear. Thanks for all the responses. So for final question, because funds are limited what TT upgrade to the Linn Sonedek lp12 would make the greatest positive difference; karousel, keel chassis or Lingo 2 power supply. Thank you 

I almost forgot, 65% of my time is spent listening to albums, 20% to Tidal service via iPad direct connect to my DAC and 15% with CD player: Yamaha  CDX-1050 connected via UBS. Thanks !

Any recommendations? VPI? Thanks 

oh and geoffkait, thanks for making me laugh. Well said. Some of us will justify the cost by cutting back on all those dinners and movies our significant others keep trying to take us out to.

Ok. So in order; I do have definitive tech supercube 2000 with paradigm x30 high filter subwoofer control unit. Fits the bill. Love to consider GIK room treatment but system is in living room (wife doesn't want me living in my office / man cave) so that option is a resounding no. Agree Fritz speakers are a winner! But don't take my word for it ask Fritz...he is the real deal passionate about his craft and will lend you speakers for 30 days no strings attached. Masi, thanks for the insights on Linn upgrades. Millercarbon, can't compete with you on your journey. Thank you everyone. Anymore input always appreciate...Enjoy the WFH new normal in this new world.

Thanks for all of your input daveyf. So help me understand why I wouldn't look at other turntables; used VPI or SME, etc.? I am into the Linn LP12 for $1,900 (bought used) with Koetsu black cartridge ($1,200 used). If I buy a Lingo 2 or 3 used @ $900, then Karousel bearing @ $1K then look buy used Linn Kore @ $850, I am into the turntable for $4,650 - $5850 including the cartridge. At this price point, I have to believe there are other TT's out there at this price range used that would be as good if not better than Linn? Any comments to the community? 

So I pulled the trigger. Traded in my Linn for VPI CLASSIC 3. Kept the Koetsu black cartridge. Chazzy 007, made a mistake,  I have E88CC TUNGSRAM tubes not.6922 and winged C 54u-g Grey plates. Is it still weak link? As for the Fritz Carrera BE, Fritz was kind enough to ship.me pair to try but I found new beryllium tweeters a little too forward. I believe he had run out of the revelator tweeters for the pair he made..bit LOVE FRITZ speakers...case in point, I have over $13k in my system alone not including his speakers.  I could easily afford more expensive bookshelf speakers...but I just really enjoy the quality and natural sound of his speakers at a.price that no one has been able to match.

Let me share a few quick thoughts and then I will reply back with more detail after I have listened to the VPI Classic a little longer. My first thoughts after listening to it last night. It presents a more detailed soundstage than the Linn. Some may say its to analytical, but in my system, the most noticeable difference is the speed and accuracy of the music and the details of the instruments themselves. The Linn may have what some call a romantic or musical sound..and it does. But when comparing sounds, the Linn is a little muddy in the mid range and lower bass wheras the VPI is not. But, to be fair a used Linn Sonedek LP12 can be bought for around $1,600-2,000 whereas this VPI Classic 3 is between $3,700-$4,500 depending on the arm (that is with an inexpensive but reliable cartridge included). This is also my 3rd turntable in the last 15 years, and depending on your budget there are some great TT's in the $1500-2K range that are new. But I am not the expert there, there are other more qualified people in this community and other threads as to the better TT's for the money. I did come awfully close to picking up a new Mobile Fidelity for $2K. Hope this helps

@snatex - after having played close to 20 albums comprised of Jazz, rock, blues, both simple and complex arrangements over the past week, theses are my immediate thoughts on the difference between my Linn LP12 and the VPI 3 Classic using the same Koestsu black cartridge. 1. I have a  FUNK FIRM - Achromat Platter Mat which came with the TT which may alter my review 2. The VPI is just quicker - the action of the cymbal is crisp and on time, the bass notes are clean and taught, the timing for the mid range appears to be much more in focus. Because of this quickness in the way the music is represented, my ears are able to sort out the different instruments in both simple and complex arrangements. The simple arrangements have a little more extra that is extracted from the voice or the sax - you can hear the resonance after the note. 3. There is a noticeable problem, well documented with the capacitor; when you go to turn the TT on or off, you have to either switch your input or turn down the volume - otherwise you will hear a very loud pop from your speakers. 4. The unipivot arm - it is not as easy to calibrate as other tonearms, people either love them or hate them - but I had mine set up for me with the cartridge and have had no problems. As for pricing - Linn TT in my condition with few upgrades is worth about $1700 - 1,900. You can find VPI Classic 3 in good shape for around $3,600-$4,000. So my net investment was around $2K - which was less than it would have cost me to upgrade my Linn TT with new sub chassis and Karousel bearings (around $3,500) not to include a potential additional Lingo 2 or higher power supply ($600-$1K extra). So I hope this helps  @snatex . Enjoy and keep on listening :-)