Linn or VPI

I had a full boat Linn front end, went from an Arkiv to a Ruby 2 and then to a Basis 2500, Graham 2.2 and a Ruby 2. I prefer the Ruby in both arms because it tracks much better than the Arkiv, is a little warmer and is much cheaper to retip. Of course your priority may be different.

I wouldn't buy a new Linn today. My Linn dealer lost their LP 12 expert and you must have dealer support for this table. It's been many years since Linn has done anything new with analog and I suspect it may get more difficult to get service in years to come. The EKOS is nearly a fifteen year old design. Of course when you have the support the Linn system stills sounds great.

I went with the Basis/Graham because it sounds better to me and I don't need a local dealer. Set up and cartridge swapping is a snap. The engineering of the arm and table gives me great confidence they will work for many trouble free years.

My new set up has a more exact sense of space and better bass precision. The instruments of a string quartet can be more easily placed, side to side and front to back, than before. There are no drawbacks I can hear.

I suspect the Graham arm is the reason behind the improvement. A Graham 2.2 in a Linn would be interesting to hear. Unless you are very skilled in set up, or have absolute confidence your Linn dealer will be there ten years from now, go with the TNT. But, if you can consider the Basis.

I have little experience with the Linn, but quite a lot with VPI. The TNT has been a great table, and a joy to make small changes over time--very modular. Also, I can say that VPI as a company and Harry Weisfield are a real pleasure to deal with. The products are well engineered, well made, and easily upgradeable. Customer service is excellent--as any small high end company should be. There's really not much more I could ask for. I also own Martin Logans and Levinson.

Thanks for your inputs. Do any of you buy into the premise that the Linn's are more "musical", while the TNT is more "analytical". Also does the TNT require allot of room?
Thanks,Elkyman

I think the TNT is VERY musical--but I think that has more to do with the cartridge, set-up, and phono stage. I use a tube phono stage with cryo treated NOS tubes. The sound is pretty incredible--just makes you want to listen to music. As for space, YES. The TNT does require a lot of space. I'm using an 18 inch by 30 inch slab of granite to put the unit on. Also, you should be aware that the TNT does require some significant set-up. It's not like most turntables, where you just put them on a shelf/table. While all tables require the critical arm/cartridge alignment, the TNT is almost like a small building project that you do first. It's not that bad. Once you've done one, it's very easy. But the first time you see all the parts for a TNT you'll think you bought a small do it yourself project.