I think, the secret in Phono reproduction is the quality of the Phonostage and the Gain of it.
Most top cartridges are low output (around 0.22mV), when the preamp can't amplify that properly, frustration (and confusion) can be the result. Same with the connected Phono cable ....
To avoid that, there are cartridges with higher output available, for example the Lyra Skala.
When a combination is not really matched I think, a lower model can give better results (here low gain versus high gain/output etc.).
Next, some manufacturers change the sonic results in their models, here the Skala again for example, that one sounds very different to other Lyras.
I think, there is no general rule.
Most top cartridges are low output (around 0.22mV), when the preamp can't amplify that properly, frustration (and confusion) can be the result. Same with the connected Phono cable ....
To avoid that, there are cartridges with higher output available, for example the Lyra Skala.
When a combination is not really matched I think, a lower model can give better results (here low gain versus high gain/output etc.).
Next, some manufacturers change the sonic results in their models, here the Skala again for example, that one sounds very different to other Lyras.
I think, there is no general rule.