Interesting thought- Linn &

As one who recently traded an LP12 for a Rega RP10, I did try a Classic 3 with the same Kleos mounted and similar electronics. I was immediately aware that the LP12 had a much more musical sound than the VPI, to my ears at least. I decided against the VPI as I realized the departure from the Linn would be too much in one step. However if you want to break away from the Linn, the VPI is a consideration. But as you mention you're very happy with the Linn, I think all the upgrades Linn offers, only enhance a great sounding table each to a new level. It is an expensive journey should you choose the Linn upgrade path, but rewarding at every turn. The dealer AudioAlternative.com has a number of LP12s in various stages of the Linn upgrade progression, and each clearly reveals the benefits of the investment. I like my new Rega, but miss the delivery of the LP12,  but not the suspension issues on a suspended floor. Had my sound room been in the basement, I would most likely have kept it, and at lead have added the Khan, the only non-Linn upgrade the dealer recommends. You might give Rick a call and seek his advise and ship your table to him for the upgrade of choice. As mentioned before in other threads by myself and others, Rick at audioalternative.com in Ft Collins Colo., is an LP12 aficionado and has a passion for tuning these tables. 

The Radikal is a $4250 kit.  I'm not taking sides here, but a fairer comparison would be with the VPI Prime supplemented with an SDS or even Eagle speed controller and 300 rpm motor which would improve the performance in a way that's easy to hear.  Fairer still would be the addition of the single unit motor-flywheel that has not as yet been released for the Prime.  Surely the two systems make different presentations and it's for the listener to decide.  Disclaimer: I have used VPI products for many years.

Stringreen, I would say you have never heard a top flite LP12 Radikal D.
I have heard a Prime, I wouldn't even compare it to the entry Linn LP12 Magik!

I will say this.  I have heard a Linn recently with the radical and it is a very nice sounding table if set up correctly.  I was pleasantly surprised at how my scout sounded in comparison to the Linn.  My setup cost about 3k including cartridge.  The Linn was close to 10k.  The Linn did sound very good but the scout had more air.  At least with my cartridge.  The Linn had  better control and depth.  It was better than the scout but it also cost over 3 times as much.  It did sound better than I thought it would, especially with the Linn cartridge.  It did not sound as good with a Benz.

Tzh21y- what cartridges were on the respective tables? 

What's interesting about your post is that you were surprised that the LP12 could sound really good. It's a common urban hifi myth that the LP12 is a bad music maker these days. 

I would say say that myth mostly comes from people how either haven't heard a properl se up LP12 or have not heard one in 30 years. 

Perhaps 25 plus years ago I went to hear a VPI HW19 table. The demo was awful- the dealer could not get the belt to stay on. Well, that soured me go VPI but my recent experience with the Prime was really very very good! The table prejudice works both ways-