Does a record player make that much of a difference??

Thanks for all the interesting responses.
I feel I should expand a bit on my thinking for this thread. Turntables certainly look cool and are fun to handle. And they come in all shapes, sizes and colors, and you can pretty much spend as much as you want on one (although that’s true of all audio gear). With phono cartridges on the other hand, there really isn’t much to look at as they’re so small, and they’re also fragile. Phono pre amps also aren’t much to look at. But I would venture that the sonic differences/improvements to be had by upgrading one’s cart or preamp are far greater than those found from upgrading to a better turntable/arm. Could be wrong, but my point is, I think the reason record-loving audiophiles put so much more attention and money on record players vs carts and phonostages is because there is more to look at. Not that there is anything wrong with wanting a cool looking turntable… it’s just that for pure audio bang for the buck, I have a hunch that the other parts of the analogue chain (cart, phonostage, head amp) are more critical.

I imagine many of you would disagree :)

Hi Rauliruegas. 

Thought the purpose of these threads was to have fun discussing our shared interest - audio. Or is it to prove how much smarter you are than everyone else?

Lighten up!