Encouraging a Person to expand on their Experiences of Listening to various TT Set Ups, produced from a Variety of Permutations of a TT's and Ancillaries is a worthy contrubution.
Encouraging the OP to consider investigating how a already owned TT can be worked with in the Home System, might add a little complexity, but it is a method carried out by most TT owners, who are seeking that little extra from their own set ups.
A Cartridge Type used on a particular Set Up when well matched to the Ancillaries can in certain cases experienced, be a complete let down.
I have been to arranged meetings where the theme has been to have a selection of Cartridges lined up on exchangable MS-9 Headshells.
The only change in the Operational Parameters on the TT being the Cartridge.
Different Phonostages and SUT's have been available to see if a improvement can be made to a interface within the system.
My experience has been there are Cartridges that I don't believe underperformed in any way, their presentation has been consitent in each Audition.
The lesson learned for myself, is that there are certain Cartridges when used on a TT and Tonearm of my choice do not deliver in a manner that I consider to suit my preferences.
As a result of my Participation I use a Cartridge Design that was made known from my experiencing the Comparisons.
To be able to make such an assessment, doeas take a little foot work.
It has required making an arrangement to meet with other like minded enthusiasts, travel a little, spend time in good company and participate in a enjoyable experience of Auditions/Demonstrations.
What did I do? I did not remain insular and rest on my laurels about the position I had attained.
I humbled myself and drew on the experience of others, who had attained far more experience in such matters than myself.
The end result of such a undertaking in terms of lessons learned about the Sound Quality of a TT Set Up, with a variety of permutations has been very insightful.
What did I not do, I did not use my eyes as my guide, I left the Lure of Bling behind as a suggestion of being Quality a long time ago.
This was replaced by a much more beneficial method of investigation, where my ears have been depended on.
As an Audiophile, I work on the Basis that I am in pursuit of Sound, and the more endearing the Sound and Satisfying to my own unique preferences the better.
To suggest to a OP with a inquiry to make the time to rely on their own ears to help them learn the Varieties of Sound that can be perceived from receiving a Audition / Demonstration of a TT Set Up.
Is certainly not misguiding them.
