Balls.....

At least on my high end bicycle, ceramic bearings in the hubs are the final word zero rolling resistance(at least it feels that way!)

I would think the same lesser resistance results in lower noise?

Upgrade asap for much better sound.

Thanks for the responses. What type of turntable did you perform the upgrade upon ebm? Was it a diy project?

wturkey, I doubt it will make a big difference. It might effect noise levels but for better or worse? Depends entirely on the quality of the bearings and the type of cup or thrust plate being used. If your turntable is quiet and running well I would leave it alone. If the ceramic bearing is inexpensive then you have not much to lose trying it. It would be interesting to test rumble levels before and after the switch.

I had the thrust plate and ball on my TNT V bearing replaced a few years ago by a fellow at the Asylum called tubesforever and trading as Applied Fidelity.  Unfortunately he passed soon after.

The thrust plate was replaced with a sapphire crystal and the ball with a ceramic one.  He also supplied a very high viscosity lubricant that made the tt take a VERY long time to settle down when reassembled.  The result, though, was fantastic.  

Don't know if this helps, but that's what I found.

BTW, in case others want to do this who is that guy in NJ?