Avid Diva II SP or keep my Linn

Get a Tiger Paw Vulkan shelf- designed for the LP12 and the best one out there at an affordable price. LP12's really do well on a shelf imo.
ATB,
Mark

I loved the wall shelf for my Linn.  I had springy floors and the tt would go crazy if you looked at it the wrong way.  I knew a wall shelf would be better, buty I was amazed at the degree of isolation.  But if you're not having footfall problems, I don't know what the sonic benefit would be compared to some of the options listed above.  

My dealer also recommended by maybe installing a wall mount for the TT.

I added a Tramp 2 last year. It was a nice upgrade and certainly helped minimize the impact of the stand i was utilizing--- a VERY heavy Sound Anchor.
I would recommend the Tramp 2 to any LP12 owner.

I have a 1988 LP12. Ekos arm, Cirkus, Lingo 1, Trampoline 2, Lyra Kleos. Maintained it myself all these years with zero problems.

Took it to "Ovature Audio" in Ann Arbor MI. "Tom a longtime Linn setup guy" Drianed the oil, inspected the bearing, replaced with fresh oil, replaced the after market mat with a new felt mat, new Linn cable, new hinges,
said not to use the SOTA clamp any more and installed a new Lyra Kleos. Tuned it in the Linn manner.

Even though I never had a problem; when I got it home, it  "Played the Tune" like it hadn't in years. I put it on the original lightweight Target stand that I bought with it and footfall problems disappeared.

 I have a new Kuzma Stabi S with platter upgrade, power supply upgrade, 12" VTA arm , Dynavector XX2 mkII next to the LP12. Both ply at a high level with subtle differences but one does not outshine the other.

 I am contemplating the Kore and Radikal. Yes, they are spendy. Also considering a Technics GAE modded with a 12" Triplanar arm.

Thinking about my retirement TT but after a tuneup by a Linn master; I would Not give it up. Just keep it in the collection.

Best Wishes 

Did you add a Trampoline? If so what was the improvement?

Alternatively, add a Linn Tramp 2 to the table...this helps greatly with minimizing the effect on the table from what it is sitting on. Generally a nice uptick in SQ from this mod.

That is exactly what Linn says not to do.  Try building a mini-shelf on top of the rack.  Use a piece of Corian or whatever and put 3 or 4 cones under the shelf.  I guarantee you'll hear a big difference.  Better or worse?  That's up to you.  The Neuance was sort of a hollow piece of foam, sort of like a surfboard.  It was about 2" thick and very light and rigid.  But I also found that Corian worked well.  Even glass on the Naim Fraim, which is usually a no-no.  

Did you hear the Diva or the Diva II SP which is twice the price?? Thanks for your input.

My rack is fairly dense. would a lighter table help??

I have heard the Avid models. Avid Volvere and above are very good TTs. The Diva is nothing to write about.  The Diva actually sounded bright and somewhat digital like.
Instead a Rega RP6 and above are much much better. You get a serious TT from Rega with very good analog presentation.

The Ittok is a damn good arm, IMO.  If it's bottom you're looking for, I would consider experimenting with the shelves.  I have never seen a turntable more affected by what it sits on.  Mine was mounted on a wall shelf and we started with a plywood shelf I think.  We then changed to a Neuance shelf and the setup guy looked at me, as if to say - "Are you kidding?"  The whole bottom end opened up tremendously.  So fool around with that if you're so inclined. 

Thanks for the input. I have a friend that had a Avid Volvere and it was a fantastic TT. I've had my Linn for about 10 years but the cost of future upgrades economically are fairly prohibitive for me. The Linn has a nice sound but even w/the Cirkus upgrade the bottom is better but not quite there. Also wondering how good the Clearaudio Clarify arm is. 

If the money is not that big a deal, I would box up the Linn and try the Avid.  I loved my Linn, but when I went to the Basis, I realized the Linn imparted sort of a boxy coloration to the sound - not unpleasant, but noticeable once you have a turntable without it.  The trick is to find a table that sounds neutral, but not cold like some do.  Honestly, I don't think anyone can tell you whether you will prefer one to the other, but I think you should take the opportunity to branch out from the Linn and form your own opinion.  You might end up being a Linnie for life, like so many others.  Or not. 

Michell Gyro SE with a Rega tonearm is my favorite turntable set-up of all time.