ZYX "House" Sound

@rauliruegas Thanks for showing me the Technics table. Very good example of good value. If I didn't already have four tables, I might seriously consider it.

I don't use the Denon as much as the DD-40, primarily because I don't like the look. The big blockiness of the arm pivot area is a turn off for me. But the specs on the table are very good, in fact great. Much better than the DD-40, I agree. One test I will do Is to use a different arm in a stand alone "pod". 

It is very difficult for me to audition other systems. There aren't any people around here with good systems and high end shops are non-existent. And I find it hard to make a thorough, honest evaluation in the store.

My only recent experience has been at a show. I didn't hear any system that was significantly better than mine, but shows are not the place for critical listening.

Could you explain you comment "MUSIC in a home system belongs to the bass range"?

I appreciate your comments. You've stimulated a bunch of thoughts.

I don't want to set up an argument between those who favor measurements and those who do not. Nobody wins that argument. I am troubled by the comments that say my system is not "high end" enough for the cartridges I have. It's not because I disagree but because I don't have a means to test that argument. I wish I could listen to a different system.

@rauliruegas  The Technics Sl-1200GR you post a link to has grabbed my interest. It does look like there's a lot of value for a very reasonable price. Thanks for the reference.

Will the Koetsu, the Shelter and the ZYX cartridges shine on this table?

Dear kevemaher, you are an audiophile extraordinaire, and you merit admiration by nearly all of the rest of us. What I think you’ve revealed is that traditional measurements, such as those you have made, don’t tell the whole story. Else why can we yet hear difference among cartridges, turntables, tonearms, and all the rest of the gear that measure so similarly? You also in passing reveal the “dirty little secret” of audiophilia, that in fact we often don’t know what we’re doing. One reason the DQX1000 should be obviously superior sounding compared to the DD40 would be that the former TT incorporates a quartz crystal reference which ought to enhance its performance vs the DD40. Have you assessed speed constancy? Virtually every DD table made since the heyday of the DQX1000 uses a quartz crystal reference. I think Denon were the first to do that, in their DPXX series.

@lewm  That is the slyest compliment I've ever heard. Gave me a chuckle. Thanks.

I do agree that the components with moving parts will affect the sound and sound a bit different as they age. I consider speakers, phono cartridges and the listening room to be the primary influence on sound. The tonearm and turntable are secondary, and all the others have a very small influence (as long as measured performance is in spec). Preamps and amps (except for tubed models) have little influence.

So my Denon DP-57L is a keeper?

It would be wonderful if there were more "guidelines" for matching equipment as it is difficult for me to separate good from bad advice.

Is the Technics SL-1200GR a good match to the Koetsu RS, the Shelter 901 and the ZYX Omega or 4D cartridges? What would be the entry level table for these cartridges?

Dear @kevemaher : This resonance frequency could help for your question after you made the automatic calculation:

Cartridge Resonance Evaluator - Vinyl Engine

Other Technics model is the next one that comes with what in theory is a better tonearm build material: magnesium and more " solid/damped " plynth ".

Direct Drive Turntable System SL-1200G-S (technics.com)

With both models could be need it to change the tonearm internal wiring and the headshell wires too.

Btw, " to be the primary influence on sound. The tonearm and turntable are secondary, and all the others have a very small influence "

Could be and yes transducers are " definitive " about. Before I posted that tonearm/cartridge is a " unit " and is a unit because all the cartridges during playing can pick up maybe the 80%-90% of the recorded MUSIC information but at the same time develops a lot of additional " resonances/distortions/feedback " that are transmited through the cartridge cantilever and then to the headshell/tonearm wand/tonearm bearing and so on that's why same Technics tonearm builded with magnesium material puts different " colorations/modulation " than an aluminum tonearm material.

You own the 57L and through your measures it measured similar to the DD40 even that manufacturer specs are way different. I posted before if you listen a " trouble " if any in the 57L that your prefer the DD40, till now you are " dead silence " about and is your privilege but could be " healthy " ig you can give an answer on that issue. Thank's in advance.

R.