I find it helps to think in terms of %'s. With a decent cartridge (think $400-$500 new) your table, arm, interconnects, etc., can get you 90-95% of what is reasonably achievable. It is that last 5-10% that requires super stable table, seriously engineered arm, and a cartridge and interconnects made from un-obtainium. Try a mid-compliance cartridge and let your speakers tell you the truth.
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