Stylus shape and cartridge construction more important than any decent table or arm IMO.
Understanding arm cartridge compliance compatibility and avoiding detrimental resonance is important, but more leeway than you think.
Setup, alignment, basic tools and personally acquired skills are the prelude,
Proper cleaning used, and occasionally new lp’s also important.
I prefer lighter tracking, wider separation, tighter channel balance. I only have heard my current and first MC, after resisting for many years, glad I tried MC.
.................................
Delicate signal thru/to what? Sounds of Phono Stages definitely vary, Tube/SS differences/preferences; perhaps this should be resolved prior to final cartridge evaluation, however MC requires purchase just to evaluate the phono stage or SUT to a new or existing phono stage.
Cables, I recommend last, you may hear differences, I have compared, and hear no difference.
It’s an interactive web of options
Understanding arm cartridge compliance compatibility and avoiding detrimental resonance is important, but more leeway than you think.
Setup, alignment, basic tools and personally acquired skills are the prelude,
Proper cleaning used, and occasionally new lp’s also important.
I prefer lighter tracking, wider separation, tighter channel balance. I only have heard my current and first MC, after resisting for many years, glad I tried MC.
.................................
Delicate signal thru/to what? Sounds of Phono Stages definitely vary, Tube/SS differences/preferences; perhaps this should be resolved prior to final cartridge evaluation, however MC requires purchase just to evaluate the phono stage or SUT to a new or existing phono stage.
Cables, I recommend last, you may hear differences, I have compared, and hear no difference.
It’s an interactive web of options