Why do turntables sound different?

Most turntables from medium to high end have a vibration suppression system built into the unit. What I see as being the ultimate difference in turntable sound is the cartridge you select. The cartridge actually reads the vinyl and transmits sound to your integrated amplifier, preamp or receiver. Looking for better sound? Try auditioning better quality styluses.

Ralph, would you name those turntables you mentioned that were competent and sounded similar ?
I know, I know, you don't agree aloud that vinyl is inferior to tape medium. Theoretically, maybe not but in reality..

Placing the turntable ANDelectronics in an adjoining room us the best. The only long wires needed are for the speakers. Of coyrse, tgen yih lose the awe factor of showing off your stuff, but for me it is about the music, not the show.

Gnason wrote,

"Most turntables from medium to high end have a vibration suppression system built into the unit."

The trouble is when turntables do have some sort of vibration ISOLATION system built in, such as spring system, the built-in isolation system is not nearly as effective as a very competent outboard isolation system. The spring rates of the on board spring systems are just not as low as they should be to be effective. Obviously, the cartridge and tonearm are designed with very low resonant frequencies, which is intended to suppress acoustic vibration, but are still susceptible to very low seismic type vibration. While damping and resonance control for turntables might be issues, they are not substitutes for vibration isolation. Furthermore, some damping techniques are more effective than others. There’s a damping gap. 😳

Very very good turntables, like other great components have exceptional transparency, which makes them sound more alike than different.