Why do turntables sound different?

@lostbears 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

Placing a TT in a corner is worst than between the speakers due to the fact that corners collect and reflect acoustic energy which would be transferred to the table. 

The corner is the strongest part of a suspended wood floor.  The corner of my room is approx 22 feet away from my speakers. You cannot feel any vibration when standing in front of the turntable stand. You can feel the floor vibrate a bit when standing behind my speakers. I rather have my turntable and all my front end gear (which is tube) as far from my speakers as possible.

@lostbears, take a spl meter and measure the acoustic energy in the corner, you will be very surprised how much energy is concentrated in the corner compared to other locations in your room

rsf507,

There are multiple options available. I only stated one of mine. I did not rule out racks, isolation footers, spikes etc.
Thank you for including platforms like minus-k and Vibraplane. Let's not forget that Herzan platforms are available too. 
 
ICs and SCs are one of the options that I have chosen.

I do Like to spend $ on Older Whiskey, Faster horses, Younger Women and Audio. The rest; I am just going to Waste.

Best to All on this Journey 

They sound different for two reasons.

1/  The design choices of suspended, lightweight or mass and                implementation of materials choice and the drive method used.


                                                                                                               
2/  The use in the home environment from either proper, or poor set  up, in both basic parameters and adjustment ,and final placement.