Linn vs VPI?


I am planning to upgrade my current entry level Music Hall TT. I would like to get either a Linn LP 12 or some of the comparable VPI tables. Used not new.
It apperas to me that VPI is very highly regarded and people are very happy with VPI products. I also understand that Linn is on Stereophile recommended list of components for ever and essentially thes ame but greatly evolved product.

Any insight/first hand experience and tonearm/cartridge recommendadtion is more than welcome.
sancho22
I also recently upgraded from a project Xpressions to a VPI HW-19 mkIV. I seriously considered Linn LP12 but I read that it is a tough table to setup and many people recommended having a expert set it up. The VPI HW-19 is no longer being made so that may influence you though some parts are available and there are third party suppliers for motors and suspension/springs/sorbothane. The VPI wasn't hard to setup but i needed some questions answered.
Both the Linn and the VPI require expert setup. If you know a Linn expert in you area, you should enquire about a used tt. Once they are set up, they will go for years without adjustment. The VPIs are nice tt's as well, but the unipivot arm also requires work to get everything just so. I don't know which MM you have, but if it's a cheaper one, you might consider upgrading to the MMF-7 which is a very nice tt and comes all ready to go. If you're so inclined, before upgrading, I would try a Herbies mat on your current tt. It made an astounding improvement on my old MMF-5. I didn't like it on the Linn at all, but it was great on the MMF-5. That could make you happy while you search for a better table. Herbies offers money back on everything, so there's no risk, outside of a few bucks for shipping. Best of luck.
OK, some good insights, thanks guys. I have a MMF-2.2 right now and a Marantz 6100. The MMF is the main daily TT. I have both a Linn and a VPI locally available. The VPI is one of the older models has some upgrades, including a REGA arm (not sure which one). Asking price is $1,500 and would accpet my MMF as a part of the trade/sell.
In that price range I also looked at the Marantz 15s1 which es essentially a Clearaudio TT with some improvements and a great cartridge.

IF NEITHER - could you suggest what to consider?
I recently looked at selling my LP12 and looked at VPI-Rega-ClearAudio and Project. All with rather poor representation in my area. But when listening at one store whom had a Rega P3 and a VPI Scout nesxte to each other I really preffered the rega sound. But that dealer is as ecentric as the first stone wheel too! I really don't think the VPI was set up correctly. At the end of the story I kept my LP12 and unless I find something that excites me I will keep it. It seems that they forever upgradeable. I just heard the new DC power supply and Phonostage at my local dealer and it....incredible. But he has all the latest on it and it sounded great before but is better than anything I can recall hearding. Oh and before he tells me yechh! BW I know I know:)