"Assuming meticulously set up".........
Mismatched complaince of cartridge and mass of arm.
Stylus shape, for example line stylus types, vs elliptical, vs conical types. The former can give very precise information not available with conical. But in general use the conical is more forgiving especially of VTA variances due to record thicknesses. Elliptical is a good compromise.
Oh, the obvious - cartridge design, but that is no different than between anything in the system. Most stuff sounds different due to subtle changes in design. Some times not so subtle.
Mismatched complaince of cartridge and mass of arm.
Stylus shape, for example line stylus types, vs elliptical, vs conical types. The former can give very precise information not available with conical. But in general use the conical is more forgiving especially of VTA variances due to record thicknesses. Elliptical is a good compromise.
Oh, the obvious - cartridge design, but that is no different than between anything in the system. Most stuff sounds different due to subtle changes in design. Some times not so subtle.