Linn Sondek LP-12 tonearm recommendations?

I would look for a used Linn Ekos which is available in your price range I would not bother to rewire the Rega, just keep it as a spare or sell it. It will not be as good as the Ekos no matter what wire you put in it.

What turntable and pickup arm are you using now? If you’re just starting out, I’d keep the Rega for now.

The Ekos is a good choice, as is the Ittok, which will save you money if you can find a good one.  I had a Rega 6 something? on my Linn, which was ok, but needed a lot of shims with the Lyra I was using and a different cable routing.  The Ekos was a lot better.  But I agree with cleeds - get it set up and running and then figure it out later.  A lot of people run their Linns with Rega arms.  Shouldn't be a problem.

I have an Akito now. I have had the turntable for about a year (Akurate). I have a Koetsu Rosewood Signature cartridge. Overall I am very impressed with the performance (VPI for a couple decades). I will probably upgrade to a Ekos arm soon, not for a lack of performance, but to see how far it can go. I prefer simple, single vendor solutions. I will also admit I do not fiddle with turntables, arms or cartridges. that would drive me crazy. My audio guy is a Linn master technician and loves setting them up.

Cleeds, Right now i am using Acoustic signature double X with TA 2000, arm/Kiseki Purple heart.
The I bought the Linn for my home office, im going to try and use a shelter501-111, that I have with the new arm I choose, if its not compatible, Ill just get a compatible cartridge