Agree with daveyf, the LP12s of 20-40 years ago don't compare with a full upgraded LP12. A LP12 with the Radikal power supply, Keel subchassis, Ekos SE tonearm and Akiva MC cartridge like I have is on a completely higher level than the LP12s of the 1970s,80s and 90s. I know because I upgraded my 25 year anniversary model, purchased in 1997 brand new, about 4 years ago. The difference that the upgrade made was dramatic.
Daveyf is right, most people commenting here haven't listened to a fully upgraded LP12 so they really don't know what they are talking about. To those who say that the LP12 requires frequent tune ups, well that just isn't true if it's set up right the first time. My LP12 was set up at Overture Audio in Ann Arbor by Thomas O'Keefe 4 years ago and it's sounding better than ever.