Upgrade Linn LP 12 or buy new table

zavato, I would suggest a move up to the Radikal D. That is the preferred Linn route as to upgrades...and before a cartridge upgrade. Personally, I think the Radikal D is a superb upgrade and does transform the table. As to a new cart, I am in the same position as you...my Benz is now long in the tooth. There are some pretty good cartridge choices out there...the two Linn cartridges are definitely contenders...but there are others also. I suspect that a replacement for the older Lyra Skala is in the works....might be worth waiting for that and therefore doing the Radikal D first.

There are Linn fans, Nottingham fans ( me included ), VPI fans etc.
This thread will get you nowhere. I think the idea to have it set up and listen for a while is best.

inna, you could not have said it more concise.

IMHO this cuts to the chase and commits the least amount of the OP's hard earned dollars while taking full advantage of a deck he once loved, and already has. Everything, every other move can wait it's turn. 

And yes, (full disclosure) amongst others, I still own my '82 Sondek Lp12.

Happy spinning, Happy Listening!

I am in similar situation, though not with a LP12 or at your budget. I am with those who have encouraged you to refurbish your table, with possibly minor upgrades and listening to it for a while to get a sonic ‘feel' for it again. Your table would likely be worth the funds you have put into it when finished, and if your then decided to purchase a different table it could be sold to help fund this purchase. Though I would’t sell it until I had compared to the new table, if only for my own edification. More importantly, you might find the refurbished LP12 might be the only one you need.

Regarding the Jolida phono, I once owned one and while it is very good at its’ price point, you could do better. A decision that could be made after the TT decision.

 

Again,Thanks for the input. Since my Linn is pre-Cirkus,should that be the first upgrade as well as having the table tuned? Also it is possible to put an OL Ultra motor kit into the Linn. Anyone with experience with this?