I have two tables set up at the moment and a couple more that...well anyway. One of mine is stereo and the other is mono, which if you have room for it and the need is the most convenient option IMHO. Two arms on one TT is awkward for me to use because the arm along the back is difficult for me to reach/use/cue. That is me. I use one phono stage with two inputs and two SUTs. Part of that is just due to practical considerations of space and money. To the issue of need, as a jazz collector, at least in my case, a lot of my records are mono. I mono cartridge definitely outperforms a switch on the preamp and having a mono rig hooked up and ready to go at all times is a life saver as fas as I am concerned.
One turntable with two arms, or two turntables with one each - which would you prefer?
Which would you prefer, if budget allowed: one turntable with two tonearms or two turntables with one each? What would your decision criteria be?
And the corollary: one phono preamp with multiple inputs or two phono preamps?
Assume a fixed budget, but for the purposes of this question, the budget is up to the responder. Admittedly for this type of setup, there will be a sizeable investment once all components of the chain are factored in.
I'm curious to hear how people would decide for themselves the answer to this question. Or maybe you've already made this decision - what do you like about your decision or what would you differently next time?
Cheers.