If you like the Linn it might be worth talking to Inspire about their upgrades. I certainly wouldn't go down the Linn route as their prices are wayyyy OTT as far as I'm concerned, and I think there's better to be had with 'indies'.
My 'sweet spot' in LP12 ownership was indeed a pre-Circus deck with an Ittok - I think there's a synergy there that for me just worked, and my Linn never sounded the same after upgrades (Origin Live DC motor, OL tonearm) so I'd say if you like the Linn, money spent on a good Ittok with a nice MC cart would be a way to go. Whether or not it's the best sound you could get for the money is another matter...
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Before you criticise a man, walk a mile in his shoes. Then, when you do - you'll be a mile away. And have his shoes.
Wavy grooves go thru a RigB 540ML on an SL1500C. Digits stream from a cheapie CDP and a Sonos, into a Yamaha 803D driving Kralk Audio little 'uns. I used to have a Linn but I'm better now.