Why do turntables sound different?

It's ALL about the VIBRATIONS! Every part of every TT vibrates! Some more or less than others! And the stylus "reads" these along with the vibrations in the LP grooves. So controlling and eliminating the mechanical vibrations from the TT is a major challenge for designers. And of course some TT's do IT better than others! Rekokut vs. Continuum!

TTs OUT of the room !! In fact all equipment OUT of the room.

Speakers and amps in room.

Long ICs , Short SCs

Does not mean that you will not need a decent rack and some isolation footers, spikes etc. but you won't need to spend big $$.

If your serious about Vinyl ?? At minimum; TT out of room. IMO.

@roberjerman ~ I agree with you, vibrations is where it's at.  Let's also add speed stability in rotating the platter.

I thought about responding but, decided against.

The reason for this thread is of concern?

 I agree it is all about vibration and speed stability. I am puzzled when I see a high priced turntable sitting on a rack between two speakers. The positioning of the turntable to avoid vibration is critical.

 I have my turntable in the corner on the opposite side of the room from my speakers. It sits on a 3" maple block which sits on a  VPI turntable stand filled with sand. I have all my front end equipment in that corner as far from the speakers as possible. I run a pair of 9 meter interconnects from the preamp to the amp which sits between the speakers.