I don’t think an LP12 requires huge cost to keep up. Keep up with what, exactly? Yes it would cost an awful lot to upgrade to top-end, new spec. The pre-Cirkus deck is very good and just needs a tweak every now and again. I did mine every 5 years in the 20 or so I had one. I’d give it a new cartridge and buy some records. A new P3 doesn’t get close to my ears, as good as it is.