@jasonbourne71 Not to feed your ego too much, but I loved your 'seismigraph' observation. That is exactly what a turntable is. And explains not only what an unlikely technology it is to have lasted over a century (!) but why turntables, arms, and carts are the most upgradeable and accessible component for most people. In its primitive analog-ness, people can wrap their heads around the whole idea. Not so much with digital. Witness efforts on this site to discuss DAC technology, DAC filters, sample speed, bit depth and all the rest.
Dr. Feickert Analogue Woodpecker turntable
This weekend I brought home a new turntable -- a very classy looking Dr. Feickert Analogue Woodpecker. It was a breeze to set up, as it is really a well designed, well made product.
But what surprised me the most was the very noticeable jump in the sound quality. I originally decided to buy this turntable because I was having trouble installing my Jelco SA-750 10 inch tonearm on my Systemdek IIX turntable. And since Dr. Feickert Woodpecker has a brilliant sliding docking for installing any tonearm up to 12 inch long, I thought at the very least I'll extend the life span of the stylus on my cartridge.
I wasn't expecting such stunning improvement in the sound quality. I was of the opinion that my Systemdek, which is modded and very well maintained, is basically as good as any other table. But no, Woodpecker really left Systemdek in the dust!
Goes to show that turntable really, really matters in the vinyl reproduction equation. The better the table gets, the less distorted the sound becomes. Moral of the story: go with the best turntable you can afford.