Whenever vinyl is discussed, the importance of VTA and VtF are discussed, but not the #1 issue - effective length and mass. Tracing error is 100% a function of arm length. Shibata and Microline styli with their very thin stylus profile simply cannot perform, optimally on a shorter tonearm like a Rega. The geometry prevents it. For those arms, stick with a more forgiving elliptical or even conical (Denon DL103). If you want to use a Shibata or Microline stylus, the the tonearm needs to be at least 10+ inches. My VPI JMW 10.5 is a marvelous match with a Hana SH both in lower tracing error and arm mass. I have not heard the Hana sound as good when used with shorter or lower mass arms. Conversely, the higher mass of a 12" transcription tonearm requires a low compliance moving coil cartridge to get the resonance in an acceptable 8-10 Hz range. Back in the day the ADC XLM was the epitome of a high compliance cart, and would not match well with the very popular SME III arm. But, in the pencil-thin ultra low-mass Grace 707, it could be great. Once you get those fundamentals under control, then tweaking VTA, stylus rake, and azimuth can be set properly. Long answer but yes, you can make big improvements in your turntable, but only if you approach it as a whole system.
Does a turntable make a DRAMATIC difference?
I purchased some analog gear in the hopes of making my analog side (a Sutherland 20 20 phono preamplifier and a Hana ML cartridge) at least the equal of my digital side. Although it has markedly improved the sound of my records it has not equaled the SQ of my digital sources. I know my turntable ( a heavily modified Rega RP3 with two power supplies and many other internal tweaks) is the weakest link. My question is, will a new improved turntable make a MAJOR difference, or just incrementally improve the sound. Or do I have to spend major bucks to achieve what I want.