Is the "standard" Linn Sondek LP-12 surpassed by newer turntable brands and designs??

To Moonglum, Thank you for the history lesson on the LP-12. I gather that regardless of its overall performance, it was an analog tinkermen's  holy grail. Its greater perfection could be achieved by the factory upgrades.  Overall,  it seems like that set-up, and ancillaries were necessary to bring out its peak performance, and any faux pas along the way reduced its additive euphonic sound quality, and the buyer's investment. Not exactly a turntable for the impatient.  Unlike vintage wine, the LP-12 was not going to improve over time, it seems to require continual special nurturing

OK, enough with the mixed metaphors; I am sure over the decades  the LP12 sound quality was unassailable.   As I noted before, more than just occasionally, LP-12 are popping up on Audiogon.. 

Actually, as a prelude to creating this thread is  a good condition LP12 is on sale with the Valhalla upgrades and sporting a Grace  707 tonearm   A tempting combo,, though based on some of the points you make, too much of a gamble for me.  Thanks

  ..To noromance,  who makes the 401 TT you mention in your reply??      

To Moonglum Thank you for the  additional information  However, I still think the LP-12 is a tweaker's  table. I worked in the audio business from 1976 through 1991. My last tenure in a middle to high end store, that offered such fare as Yamaha,  Nakamichi,  McIntosh, Dalhquist, KEF, etc.  Even though, the shop did not sell Linn products, occasionally. a high-end tire kicker would find his way into the store, and drone on about how great his audio system, and that he owned a Linn LP-12. Without missing a beat, he exalted in how he had slaved over the set-up of the table, and the importance of ancillaries  to get the best from the table. His monologue was also aimed to denigrate the equipment sold by our shop.  I must have encountered at least 10 such non-customers with almost the same rap.  

Therefore based on some of the point you made in your first e-mail and my own experience with LP -12"cultist,  I believe that a used LP-12 potentially offers more risk than an other brand's new table.  However, I respect your comments, and  knowledge of the LP-12 history.   Good Luck    (BTW,  who or what is PFM)

To noromance,   That is a great looking system you have put together.