I recently became the owner of a Thorens TD160 Super onto which I fitted my Alphason Xenon MCS and Denon DL160. When I compare it to a friends LP12 the Thorens sounds much leaner and a lot less coloured in sound. If I were to say that the TD160 sounds a lot more digital I don't think I would be far out in my description. The Linn sounds a lot warmer and fuller than the TD160 and in general, a lot more coloured. I normally use an Audioref rubber mat on the Thorens but have tried a Linn felt mat and an aftermarket felt mat as well. These truly did not work well.
I have the electrics going into a Project Phonobox SE II with the correct loading for an MC cartridge but I may start to experiment with this very soon. I'd like to roll off the treble a bit earlier and produce a more laid back sound. I'll report back when it's done.