Does a turntable make a DRAMATIC difference?

no it won't make a big difference.....it "might" make a difference you might like or not, but nothing approaching a big difference.

@rvpiano ,

I think that now since you have acquired a new phono stage and cartridge, you’re rightfully realizing that the current table is the weak link. Now matter what, a great support is necessary.

Vinyl is a major investment, so you have to be committed. There are some great tables out their now, fairly reasonable. The MOFI, Merrill, SOTA... To name a few.

I just returned my Sutherland 20/20 Mk2 LPT to Music Direct because my new Holo May DAC DTE sounded much better than my analog. I have a Technics SL-1200G and Hana ML. I also have a tube preamp and I'm guessing that your taste in sound presentation is similar to my preferences.  The Sutherland in my system lacked dynamics and was harsh in the upper range of the female voice. It also lacked the microdynamics that makes voice so wonderful. I changed out preamps, but will be selling a car to fund. Now, voice is sweet and detailed and dynamics are much improved. I wonder what a better arm, turntable or cartridge would do, but I can’t afford to sell another car.

Digital is getting much better and analog can keep up, or better, but the price of admission is steep. I’m leaving things as is for now because a substantial arm/turntable improvement is costly, but I know that this is my weak link, but the music is now fluid and rich.. Phono stages make a big difference.

Is your tonearm level when playing a record? Your arm has no VTA adjustment and there is no standard cartridge height. Maybe the Hana isn’t a good fit. Improper VTA can affect performance.