10 Levels of Turntable Mastery

OK, lets see if I can pick up where Atmasphere left off:

TML7: May not be able to fully set up a Linn, or address the vageries of voltmeter based diagnostics on azimuth adjustments, but certainly has real-world experience with multiple tables/arms/cartridges and can set them up to perfection using manual tools. Probably a dealer.

TML6: Less extensive experience than a TML7, but can still adjust a TT to perform flawlessly. Someone who still fusses with VTA adjustments for each album, due to its minutely varying thickness from the previous one. A believer and owner of high end (and probably priced) products.

TML5: Someone with limited experience (3-5 tables), but has tracked down and solved resonance, isolation and adjustment issues successfully. Has gone through multiple cartridges and appreciates MC's and better phono stages. This is probably the go-to resource for the local audio club

TML4: Can adjust their own table and maybe 1 or 2 more to peak performance. Can discuss setup options with some knowledge. Understands all the terms and has heard differences when tweaking them. Has spent too much money on this hobby but thinks he has it "almost there" right now (wrong). Posts stupid messages on threads like these.

TML3: Appreciates MC's over MM's and can basically set it up to sound good. Not truly into the tweakfest that this could become, but willing to try a few things. Appreciates good sound and music and is still shooting for the best they can afford. Not sure if upgrading the phono stage will buy him anything better in terms of sound. Cleans their records. Curious about a speed controller and these new/old - fangled direct drive thingies.

TML2: Owns one of the set it and forget it tables. Likes to look at the high priced jewelry, but not sure why anyone would pay that much for a small improvement. Still into MM's. Thinking of buying a record cleaning product.

TML1: Still owns their 1970's Dual table, with original cartridge, which sounds just fine. Owns an AQ brush.

Looking for additional edits and additions to these - so chime in.

Bob (BTW - I'm at TML4 if you haven't figured it out by reading the above)

Thanks, Bob! I think this will help foster the discussion.

Ok according to the list just made by Bob I would be a TLM 2.5. I own a VPI scout with a Lyra Dorian, for me that is not a setup and forget TT. But I really dont know how to do that. I know people that do know. Also I am thinking "If I safe enough money I maybe can by a array PH-2 or a Bluenote/Goldenote Pamphilli.

I also had my eye on a SDS 2nd hand, but not sure if that would be any good for a standard scout.

I like Atmasphere's 12/16 post's listing of TLMs 10, 9 and 8.
IMHO, a TLM 7 would be someone who can set-up less difficult tables and who can hear when things are "right". Probably, can set azimuth and VTA by ear.
I'm about a 7, I guess.
Below that, I don't know. I've, always, paid scant attention to the lower classes. . .

TML 10: Tibetan monk hearing the music in his head as he spins the palimpsest.--Mrmitch