Linn LP 12 Sondek which version

You have been sucked into a tortuous path.

By listening to the Klimax in your system, you will not be happy until you have the full Klimax. Therefore you need to map the cheapest path if you want to do it in stages.

The least expensive path is to buy it all up front.

The next least expensive path is to minimise the upgrade steps.

Can I suggest considering -

LP12 + Radical 2 + Keel + Ekos SE2 + Karousel up front.

Use an interim phono ( your current phono ) and get the Urika later.

Otherwise if you want a compact form have a look at the Kuzma R/4Point9 or Kuzma R/4Point11 combo.

Wood plinths are available if you like that look.

Less money and very good performance - an upgrade from your SME - I've heard both.

If you want Klimax performance Kuzma M and 4Point11 combo is excellent - you would need to spend twice the price to get any significant upgrade from that.

@dover recommendation is excellent. I'd second that. Karousel is standard. 

The contemporary LP12 is great. I started with the Selekt... I think. Then I upgraded the tone arm to the Ekos SE and the subclasses to Keel and the power supply. I have an Audio Research Reference 3 Phonostage (arguably better than the Linn one). So, it is basically a Klimax... without the phonostage. Each upgrade was meaningful and worthwhile.

If I did it again, I would get what I have now. So, full Klimax minus the phonostage. But if you have a good dealer, he will allow you to upgrade without loosing a lot of money. 

While Linn recommends not using vibration devices, I purchased a custom made Silent Running Ohio Class isolation platform. That further blackened the background and focused the images... a worth while addition... ~$4K

I think of it as the difference between restoring a classic car and buying the same car in perfect condition.  The latter may seem to be expensive and would certainly be more expensive than purchasing the vehicle that needs a restoration, but by the time you finish restoring such a car up to the level of fit and finish that makes you happy, you will have spent much more money, and worst of all you will have lost precious time. Hold off and buy the best version of a LP12 you could imagine wanting, all in one fell swoop. Parts and labor for old cars and upgrades for old turntables are very expensive.

To me this would be an easy choice. I would go with Version (a). The Radikal power supply is a very nice upgrade over the Lingo 4 and the Kore, while not quite up to the standard of the Keel, is actually very close. 

Although it’s been a while since I owned my LP12, I would recommend that you follow Dover’s advice. Get it upfront as it will be cheaper in the long run and you will spend more time enjoying your table than waiting for it to get set up each time you make a change. Especially with a Lyra, although I only had a Kleos, I can’t measure my level of envy. Good listening!

Dear All, I thank You for giving me useful advice that I will treasure. I apologize for having replied only now but I have encountered problems accessing on web.

Kind Regards

Alessandro Catalano