Tonearm must provide a stable platform for the cartridge to function optimally. The corollary is that specific tonearm/cart combo matters greatly for sound quality. Cartridge compliance specs help determine tonearm mass needed for good performance. Mass and rigidity are two key attributes. In general you want to optimize the electric signal transfer from the stylus as it modulates while tracking the record groove. Tonearm provides the platform for the stylus to move and perform that function accurately.
What does a tonearm contribute to the sound of a turntable?
Curious about how a tonearm affects a turntable sound. I guess it's the piece of the turntable I know the least about and feel the least connection with. how does a really good tonearm affect the sound or not affect the sound? And what about the tonearm does the affecting?