Rob,
Your drawing an analogy to a vintage jaguar XKE is very apt. Because in some sense I get the feeling that those who cling to the Linn LP 12 over all others, at this point in history, are motivated by some of the same emotions that motivate people to spend huge amounts of money on a vintage jaguar XKE. I own vintage sports cars, and I spend lots of money on them.. And I am well aware that none of them comes close to the comfort and performance of any modern 4-door sedan, which can be had for much less money, when it comes to the simple act of getting from point A to point B. So if you think of a record player as a tool, an integral part of an audio system for playing vinyl, I find it hard to believe that the LP 12 still competes with the very best modern belt drive turntables. One might argue that all of the upgrades to the Linn that have been added over the years do bring it up to the level of a modern equivalent. But by the time you have spent that much money, you are in a lofty competitive price range. Of course, who am I to talk.? I am hooked on vintage direct drive turntables.
Your drawing an analogy to a vintage jaguar XKE is very apt. Because in some sense I get the feeling that those who cling to the Linn LP 12 over all others, at this point in history, are motivated by some of the same emotions that motivate people to spend huge amounts of money on a vintage jaguar XKE. I own vintage sports cars, and I spend lots of money on them.. And I am well aware that none of them comes close to the comfort and performance of any modern 4-door sedan, which can be had for much less money, when it comes to the simple act of getting from point A to point B. So if you think of a record player as a tool, an integral part of an audio system for playing vinyl, I find it hard to believe that the LP 12 still competes with the very best modern belt drive turntables. One might argue that all of the upgrades to the Linn that have been added over the years do bring it up to the level of a modern equivalent. But by the time you have spent that much money, you are in a lofty competitive price range. Of course, who am I to talk.? I am hooked on vintage direct drive turntables.