Linn Akito Question, Help Please?

... an "upgrade" to the Akito II. This second version was _much_ better than the first. The Akito I was said to be an improvement on the older Basik. The Akito II was said to be an improvement on the older Ittok up to its LVII version.

If you pay the dealer's price just be sure you're getting an Akito II.

Another point, although I'm not sure how it relates to the different prices you've mentioned, is that the first arms were made in Japan. Linn, supposedly was not happy with the arms coming from Japan and started making them in Scotland. The arm was improved at this time. This may be the Akito II, I don't know. But look on the back of the arm collar and see if it says made in Scotland or Made in Japan and you'll at least know before you buy it.