I feel a cartridge or speaker(s) in particular can often create a too analytical presentation (not to be confused with highly detailed and resolving) but including a cart that focuses on record surface noise, pops and clicks is definitely not for me. With the latter it’s often stylus type or merely a set-up shortfall that is the problem.
In my experience it is all about the speaker (character) and that’s often where the issue lies. Keeping in mind that a speaker/room/power amplifier(s) matching is absolutely critical.
In the finer tuning of a kit sounding true to music timbre and being tuneful, having enjoyable colour and pace, realistic sound space, should all be present and in good sonic balanced reproduction.
The problem remains, any mismatch in components, any room/speaker interaction, any set-up missteps could collectively drive the performance to a focus on “the analytical” or an exaggeration of portions of the performance, out of balance regardless of each individual components competency, reputation, or expense.
Tweaks are tweaks (like equipment placement, burn-in/settling, or cleaning up the mains), and though collectively they become a very, very big deal refinement wise, they are not in the fundamentals (laws of physics being one) and can’t possibly fix something that does not have a solid Gestalt impo.
Finding an enjoyable solution is our quest but often comes hard, from personal experimentation based in science, from a trusted knowledgeable friend or three with ears, or a good audio dealer if you can find such a thing. Audio blogs have extreme limits in helpfulness and can lead one down numerous rabbit holes. The great propensity is to just keep spend more money and buy different stuff.
To me, much of this hobby/pastime just sounds a lot like electronic gadgets making noise, not so much like sitting down to a good musical performance. That’s cool unless you have a limited amount of time, or money, or just really love spending your time listening to music.
