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I think that there are several TTs priced lower than the Linn that are
"respectable".

Absolutely. The Pro-jects come to mind, as well as some offerings from
Rega (among others).

In modern houses, the changers pulled from old consoles are as good
or better than suspensionless tables.

lol

They might not even be that good.

The better old changers actually make a tolerable playback system if
one cleans and repacks the bearing with a good heavy grease, removes
the changer mechanism and replaces the drop spindle with a good piece
of drill rod. Remove and discard the stack clamp and the stock
tonearm and "pickup" and find a decent old medium mass broadcast arm,
or any modern tonearm.

If the platter isn't heavy enough, it can be lead filled or a round
steel plate can be made and put on top.

The result isn't as good as a Sondek or Merrill modified AR by any
means but will get you listening to records for a hundred bucks.