I have to listen to a TT to judge how it impacts on me and leaves a impression.
As I really enjoy the music and the pleasure of sharing in moments with LP's, especially the ones owned for numerous years, along with those purchased to offer a helping hand to upcoming artists.
When taking part in such moments I don't use the time for analytically dissecting the equipment and deciding if one is outperforming the other, that is not where I am at.
If the equipment in use is making a good first impression, it can remain in use until such a time a different flavour is sought. That could even prove to be a period of listening to a CD.
Some Vinyl users attempt to indulge in a different flavour by having options on Tonearms and Cartridges, along with other means to create the experience, I do this with TT's and Phonostages, I am Cartridge and Tonearm Loyal and have throughout my experience used a range of Tonearms that I do not really wish to experience any longer.
The appreciation in value is quite nice though, the Grand Children will enjoy the trinkets when inherited.
Periodically I do have my version of being analytical, especially when trialling materials and creating new interfaces.
The outcome of the trials undertaken and experiences encountered, is that I have developed a preference for a light weight plinth structure and no longer create massy plinth structures. The selection of Granite Slate, and Stone Composite I accumulated does not have a future use as a TT Plinth. The Materials are to found in my system as parts of a Sub Plinth Structure for mounting Speakers and Power Amps.
The TT's that have been demonstrated and used with lighter materials has proved to get my attention and approval, I have made the transition to the lightweight plinth material in an assured manner.
One other benefit of having TT's mounted onto lightweight materials when compared to stone, is the ease of handling. Taking a Stone Plinth TT to another system to be demonstrated as part of a social gathering can create quite a few concerns, it is a very fit young mans sport.
I don't hesitate to offer a TT mounted in a Light Weight Plinth Material to be taken along for a demonstration.
Certain of the owned Materials designated to be used for Plinth Materials is also proving to be a excellent material to be incorporated into a Sub Plinth Structure.
Making a Plinth capable of mounting Two Tonearms, will add a noticeable mass if Stone is the Selected Material, and potentially create a Weight that is difficult to control, if the Tone arm is increasing in Wand Length.
There are Board Materials that are designed with properties that are very stable and will not change in a detrimental way in any environment encountered.
There are TT's that demand a high retail price that have Plinth and Chassis produced from Board that is quite unstable and can absorb moisture and warp.
If a careful consideration is given for a board material type, it will not add too much of a noticeable weight increase, if cut to a dimension that will enable the Second Tonearm to be mounted, even if going beyond the usual 9" and 12" Arm configuration.
There are Plenty of TT's that can be considered and Numerous Plinth Materials and designs for these that can be considered, looks like this venture will gather a few followers.
If your confidence grows and a want develops to work with the mechanical interfaces on the TT, I'm sure this extension of the interest will be met with some useful guidance.