Upgrade LP 12 or...

I'd have my present rig tuned up, get a new cartridge like a high-end Koetsu or the Arkiv/follow-on, consider the Lingo. Then I'd work on the placement of the table in order to minimize acoustic and environmental feedback.

I was a long-time Linn LP 12 owner. I followed the upgarde path from Ittok to Ekos, Vahalla to Lingo, Cirkus etc. I had a Koetsu Rosewood signature and then a VDH Black Beauty on it.

I recently went to a VPI TNT Mk V with JMW 12.5 arm. (I still use the VDH BB) This was by far the best upgrade I did.

To my mind the LP 12, while it sounds good, was very light, and also indistinct and "boomy", in the bass area. (Yes mine was set up by a Linn tech and the "bounce" was right on). While other areas have improved as well, this was the most noticeable difference. It was so dramatic that I don't think I could live with an LP 12 again, knowing how much is missing in that region. Given the extent of the upgrade you are talking about, I would suggest moving to another table that doesn't suffer from the Linn's deficencies.

Thasalmon,

I've had 2 Linn lp12s, a used one from about 73 (!) believe it or not, and my current "anniversary" edition (1999).

I'm not going to say I would recommend it over another table, it's just the table I wound up owning for various reasons. The lp12 has its pros and cons. Getting it to sound right can be a PITA, but it has a certain musicality within certain constraints. I think it basically comes down to taste. Bass can lack control as Jackcob points out, although this can be tamed somewhat through setup.

To see how much you really like your table you should do the following (if you havent already):

Make sure arm bearings are good (set everything to "zero" on the tonearm settings and the arm should float (when tapped) effortlessly without interruption or irregular movements. if not it will cost around $500 to fix the Ittok.
Once you've established the bearings are good, NEVER tighten or loosen cartridge bolts with the arm attached to the table or you may ruin the arm bearings. I have ruined the bearings on an Akito by doing just that.

Get the best Linn set-up guy you can find to tweak your table.

Place table on a rigid surface perfectly leveled (from the platter of the table). Good choices: Sound Org floor stand (that's what I've got), Target wall shelf, Apollo wall shelf, Ikea end table (good $15 alternative). Use the heavier of the two Ikea end tables, the light one lacks warmth sonically.

Like I said I'm not endorsing the lp12, just throwing out some critical points I have found neccesary to make it sound acceptable. Best of luck whatever happens! :)

Just looked at your system and it looks amazing! - completely out of my $$$ league. Only thing I might say is you might want to get that TT off the multi-component rack, the combined mass of all the components will not please the turntable. Try putting it on a dedicated stand that is rigidly seated to the floor or wall, and also the Linn's internal suspension will probably work better without any "footers" or such underneath the table.

I must add I am very jealous of you disc spinner, I had a Musical Fidelity Electra cd player (only $650) that was very satisfying. I can't even imagine what yours is capable of!

I don't know from your post what it is you think you're missing.

That said, I agree with Benthar about the placement of the tt, unless you have a cement floor. I have mine on a Mana wall shelf that makes a hell of a difference. I would also do something about whatever those feet are that the tt is on. They must be dampening the sound too much (my gut feeling).

"Aging" Troika, though, is what I picked up on. I don't know why you'd fork over the cash for those upgrades. Personally, I don't think they're worth that much in sonic enhancements. I'd throw on a new cartridge and live with it for a while, then figure out what tweeks/"upgrades" to do next.