Yes, it might be more of a theoretical, rather than a practical, issue. My dealer puts very expensive cartridges, like Platinum Signature Rosewood Koetsu cartridges on modern tonearms (typically Ortofon, Triplanar, or Audio Noe) on idler tables like the Thorens 124 and Garrard 301 and 401 and Lenco tables. Of these tables, he likes the Thorens 124 the most.