Linn LP-12 still competitive with the very best?

Schlipo
I am an englishman too And as an ex linnie I can honestly say that I feel the Linn has had its day amongst serious audiophiles.
The Linn marketing machine marches to its own tune here in the UK and its dealers are not allowed nor equipped to demonstrate the superiority of other designs,Sadly a good 70% of UK dealers are Linn/Naim dealers even to this day,the unsurspecting punter walks in and gets sold the same old philosophy as thirty years ago and walk out of the dealers having been convinced that what they have bought is the best that money can buy!
The prices for silly small percentage/performance upgrades are absolutely rediculous in real engineering terms.
I just hope that many of todays users will see the light just as I have

Lrsky
Actually it was me that made the statement regarding linns policy.
My nearest audio dealer here in the UK is Billy Vee sound systems,Take a look at thier website and you will understand a little more about my comments.
Then take a look at Walrus systems who are a genuine analogue shop for turntable lovers,You will see no Linns here because Linn will not want to be there and they wouldn't want Linns anyway?
The vast majority of audio retailers in the uk are just like Billy Vee.
I do not hate the LP12,I used various incantations of it over a five year period and am fully aware of its strengths and its weaknesses.
But I do hate the marketing machine that has led many people down an expensive path that ultimately wasnt the path that was for them.