Why do turntables sound different?

@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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

So far scientists among us don’t participate, and I suspect I know why - they have no idea.
If all seemingly great turntables sound different, than perhaps none of them sounds quite right. Each distorts and colors the sound in its own way.
I would also assume that mechanically matching table and arm could be important. And cartridge is the third element. Maybe all three should be matched ?

"Maybe all three should be matched"

I would add everything thing else in the chain.  One size fits all does not really fit in audio regardless of the ad copy and graphs.