Interesting thought- Linn &

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- 

Zavato, that is my observation as well. I see all the time people who are saying this or that about the LP12 and yet they either have a) never heard a LP12, b) have not heard a LP12 in over ten years, c) have only heard the entry level model---and probably years ago, or d) have not heard a properly set up model.

http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Linn.html

Interesting review and thoughts on the LP12.  Well worth the read. 

Zavato,
Just read your comment about the Dual 1219 and the VI5 III?
The 1219 was the table I owned before I bought my LP12.  That table was one of the prime reasons I sought out the 1229.  In top condition, it's fabulous as is the VI5 type 3.
Very musical combination. 
Norman

Norman,
There has been a lot of talk about the amateur reviewer that posted the review that you linked to.
Here are some alternate views: http://forums.linn.co.uk/bb/showthread.php?tid=31916

Including a comment that I posted there after seeing the room that the guy was using! See for yourself.....