Breakdown of Turntable Performance


Over the years I've read numerous reviews of turntables, arms, platters, and plinths.  I always wondered how much these individual components contributed to the overall sound.  Here's my take:
Cartridge - 80%
Arm - 10%
Platter - 5%
Plinth - 5%
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Arm: 33.33%

Cartridge: 33.33% 

Table: 33.33%

or 

Pressing quality: 50%

Everything else: 50%
 

The requirements for the turntable depend on quality of the cartridge it has to serve.  I was very happy with my at-lp1240 til I had my AKG P8ES Supernova upgraded with a boron cantilever.  The upgrade made a huge difference in responsiveness, but the byproduct was the direct drive motor noise became much more noticeable once the stylus hit the vinyl.  It wasn't a problem for me before.  I'm now looking for a belt driven turntable so I can enjoy the cartridge more.
My brain can only grasp what sounds good to my ears.  I have a 30+ year old Technics SL-1600MK2 with Ortofon Blue in my rec room and a one year old Technics SL-1200G with Ortofon Quintet Black in my listening room.

At first, I had the Blue on the 1200G.  It sounded pretty good.  I then bought the Black.  All other things being equal (record, phono preamp, etc.), I'm sure I don't have to tell you which one sounds waaaaaay better.