Is the "standard" Linn Sondek LP-12 surpassed by newer turntable brands and designs??

To Moonglum, Thank you for the history lesson on the LP-12. I gather that regardless of its overall performance, it was an analog tinkermen's  holy grail. Its greater perfection could be achieved by the factory upgrades.  Overall,  it seems like that set-up, and ancillaries were necessary to bring out its peak performance, and any faux pas along the way reduced its additive euphonic sound quality, and the buyer's investment. Not exactly a turntable for the impatient.  Unlike vintage wine, the LP-12 was not going to improve over time, it seems to require continual special nurturing

OK, enough with the mixed metaphors; I am sure over the decades  the LP12 sound quality was unassailable.   As I noted before, more than just occasionally, LP-12 are popping up on Audiogon.. 

Actually, as a prelude to creating this thread is  a good condition LP12 is on sale with the Valhalla upgrades and sporting a Grace  707 tonearm   A tempting combo,, though based on some of the points you make, too much of a gamble for me.  Thanks

  ..To noromance,  who makes the 401 TT you mention in your reply??      

Garrard made the 301 and 401 starting from the mid 50's up to the mid 70's I believe. they are killer tables if cared for and upgraded with a good plinth. I left an oracle Delphi mk3 behind for a late 50's grease bearing 301 and its wonderful. the 401 had a better motor but other issues so a lot of people combine the 301 with the 401 motor for the ultimate Garrard.  They are what's called a rim drive transcription table use primarily in radio stations but also seen in homes. if you can get one a good table cost around $2k then you need an arm, cart and good plinth. well worth the money. check out
http://www.garrard501.com/

that's Loricraft audio they make some wonderful mods and have parts, pinths and rebuild  etc.  there is many others that work with these tables SMD is another that comes to mind.

Garrard 301 1954 to 1965, 401 1965- late 70's

http://www.garrard501.com/history.html

Dear Jim,

It is a popular and understandable misconception that the Linn is a "tweaker's dream". The fact is that once you have settled on a basis (such as the Valhalla, perhaps with the glued rather than spot-welded sub-chassis) then no further alterations are required.

"Setup" means exactly what it says : once the turntable is properly established in your listening room no further action is necessary.

In this regard the LP12 could actually be less troublesome than most others. For example, main bearing lubrication does not require service. It is a once in a lifetime exercise (only in the unlikely event that the previous owner spilled the contents of the Bearing Well in transit!). Many other turntables require you to re-lube every year - which I find a PITA by comparison.

The Linn's mechanical parts are unburstable and will last for as long as you want to keep the turntable.

Although I appreciate the enthusiasm for old Garrards, rim drive never held any appeal for me, perhaps from my tape-enthusiast standpoint ;^)

If you wish to fully experience the depth of feeling for the LP12 you should take a trip over to PFM and you'll get vastly more information there.