Does the way a certain design for a Tonearm, create an interface with a Cartridge that improves the environment for the Cartridge to function in?
Hence, the Cartridge being mounted on a Tonearm that has a focus for the design, which is to create an interface that seen to be much improved for the Cart' to function in will create a difference for how the Cart's end sound is perceived.
If the Cart' is set up correctly at all interfaces, in numerous cases of listening, the TA>Cart' in use will be perceived by most who experienced the pairing as a change to the end sound, that is strongly suggested as being a betterment.
Similar outcomes are also able to produced when other interfaces that are needed to replay a Vinyl LP are adequately addressed.
Mechanical interfaces are very capable of creating sound that is mix from assessments made, whether it is deemed an attractor or a repellent.
An end sound produced using a Vinyl LP's Modulation as the source for the Signal or a Digital Code used as the Source for the Signal, will also produce an end sound that is mixed in assessments of whether it is perceived as an attractor or as a repellent.
From my point of view today, my experience of Digital is proving fine for my needs. A Digital Code as a Source from my CDT >DAC, produces an end sound that I am classing as an attractor. The same method of producing an end sound, extends Cartridge Life as well.
If listening to less end sound produced from a Vinyl LP is the trade off, I am contented with such a outcome. I no longer want a one source system, but do like the mechanical and geometrical disciplines that using Vinyl has taught me. Does these disciplines leant, really have anything to do with listening to music? Music is being produced and enjoyed by multiples who use Vinyl LP's, where the multiples of users do not put too much emphasis on the mechanical and geometrical concerns that can be searched out and learnt about.
As for the Surface noise, there are not too many causes, revisiting Cart' Alignment might help. Cleaning the Vinyl LP to the standard advised by Neil Antin in the PAVCR Educational Document, in my experience has done wonders for quietness of a Vinyl replay.