linn sondek tt

 @paulcreed   Again and again I guess i have to repeat the same old thing....THIS TABLE SOUNDS VERY DIFFERENT DEPENDING ON ITS VINTAGE!!!! 

If you heard an older model with the Valhalla power supply and the old Ittok arm, what you stated makes some sense, IF you heard a new Klimax versions with the Radikal D and the newer Ekos Se..or another great arm, like a 4 point 9...it makes no sense!
Compared to most American tables, I guess you are talking VPI's here...then I personally wouldn't swap the LP12 for any of them.

Your analogy with guitars makes me laugh...The Gretch is good for rockabilly and some jazz, that's what I use it for; the Strat and the Tele ( you forgot that one) is what i use for leads and everything else....
Not really a great analogy, IME. 

i guess my table with upgrades is a Les Paul

the analysis of the Strat and the Gretsch is a perfect analogy.

the American Sound is one of the best turntables in the world

"Technics makes more turntables in a day than Linn makes in a year." And no doubt, Ford makes more cars in a day than Ferrari makes in a year. So what?

Its a shame that tz can't get to hear a new Linn. But the paucity of dealers able to demonstrate turntables is a problem for the whole hobby and more global than specific to one marque. 

And I kind of agree that a fully loaded new LP12 might not be the best value for money. But a quick perusal of the used market indicates nice Linns starting at under $1000. These being upgradable as finances allow.

And perhaps the tuning requirement will put them out for some, but there are many fine alternatives on the market that do not require the level of involvement that the LP12 does. And many are superior in various ways.

But the reason the LP12 is still with us in spite of its foibles is because it presents a unique set of strengths, and should those appeal to you, there is very little else that will do.