Interesting thread. We all know table/arm combo's will sound different. I liken it to global climate change. We all know its going on but it is difficult if not impossible to distinctly say why. There are a lot of factors. I tend to like the high mass tables with air bearings in both the platter and arm as i "think" this helps isolate or protect against sound effects from non-groove sources. How much is caused by what mechanism but every link along the chain from the source (ie groove) to the speaker impacts. Even the wire choice on a moving coil is touted as having an impact on the sound. I tend to agree with the crux of many of the responses in that vibrations caused by a variety of sources will impact the sound. I know that bearing induced sound from my old Michell occurred and changed as i tried different bearing types and oil types. Even the air bearing system will have a faint sound, though much less than any other table i have heard, as i rotate the platter as even with these there still is a centering pin that does provide some contact from platter to the table base. I do also agree in keeping the table if possible in a separate room from the speakers. is this a huge impact, not sure, but i do it primarily to keep my electronics in a more controlled environment.
Obviously these are just my opinions and not based on scientific measurement but rather from 40 years in the hobby with many different tables
Obviously these are just my opinions and not based on scientific measurement but rather from 40 years in the hobby with many different tables