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.
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.