Interesting thought- Linn &

thz21y, I use a Benz SL on my Classic 3. What aspect of the setup did you find most critical to the issues you described?

tzh21y, You have really raised 3 issues about VPI set-up.  First, what is to go under the table.  If you're dealing with a concrete floor there may be one solution.  If you have a soft suspended wood floor there may be another.  Sometimes a sturdy shelf attached to the wall studs solves the problem completely.  Suggest you visit the VPI forum, describe your situation and seek advice.  You shouldn't have to spend a lot of cash to solve the problem.

If I understand it correctly all current Linns have some form of electronics in front of the motor.  Either the SDS (available used) or an Eagle will provide the functionality of a Lingo for about a third of the price.  It will raise your VPI to a new level.  Should you upgrade to a different VPI TT the electronics can go with you.

Cartridge set up should not be very much different on a JMW arm.  Setting azimuth may be the biggest difference.  Some of us use the $50 Soundsmith "Counter Intuitive" to make it a bit easier, for you can change azimuth without changing VTF and vv, and easily make changes in very small increments.

My floor is very unlevel.  2nd floor hardwood.  Old house. Walls are very unlevel.  I actually have 2 shims under one of the legs of my stand.  One under two other legs.  One leg is on the floor itself.  I have found that a level surface is huge, especially when using a very sensitive cartridge.  Everything is magnified considerably,  every fault in the system. When everything is aligned it does sound great though.  I level the stand then turntable chassis.  The Benz ref s just let's you know more than other moving magnets or moving coils I have had that something is not right.  Maybe I am just ultra sensitive.  As far as alignment, I have found that you cannot just go by cantilever alignment and overhang. It helps and sometimes it works perfect.  you have to listen and listen good.  Azimuth is important, its all important.  A level surface to place turntable on is more important than I previously thought.  It really make a big difference ime.  Even if it is off a little, it impacts the sound.

I suspect most listeners who think the Linn lp12 is colored, would change their mind, if they heard it with Radikal(their dc motor upgrade).  For me, besides the price preventing my upgrade, the diminishing of background noise(due to the ac motor affecting the cartridge) is something that interests me.  I could easily live with John's needle drops on Pink Fish Media, so there's still hope for this non-lottery winner.  John had Lingo(I think.) and the ac motor.

mmakshak, I can tell you that the Radikal D power supply is a very BIG step up over all of the Lingo's that I have heard, including the Lingo 3.
The dc motor and the speed control of it are exemplary and the background noise, like you expected, is now virtually nil.