To those with multiple tables/arms/cartridges

Multiple tables, arms, cartridges, is like when you go to live classical performance, should it be at Musikverien, Carnegie hall, Boston Symphony hall? Which orchestra, Berlin, Vienna, NY, Chicago etc etc, which conductor?
You could try to search for one absolutely best combination for all things. However, my feeling is that one absolutely best combination is unlikely to be absolutely best at everything. Each hall, each orchestra, each conductor has their own acoustic, their own characteristic. One may be better at certain thing in absolute term but it does mean that other does not have anything good or interesting to contribute. It is not as fruitful to have multiple digital sources but I think top notch analogue front end can offer equally valid but rather different presentation so why not have a few!

Regards, Halcro (Suteetat, nicely written):

If it is accepted that taste is developed and sustained through exposure to a variety of musical forms or presentations, then it might subsequently be proposed that taste is an integral element in the selection of both composition and supporting gear. If objective evaluation can define value, it might also be said the consequence is an exclusivist mentality and a rigid hierarchy of the acceptable. Some would find such a definition of rewarding experience unnecessarily restrictive. Others maintain that if what is heard does not reflect the intent of the composer then the result is an artificial construct, a facsimile and thereby of diminished value.

This may be seen as a failure to reproduce technically accurate aspects of audible response or, contrarily, an openness to a variety of experience as desired by the particular expectations of the individual. Who would be so bold as to state the reproduction of recorded music in the home is exclusively a scientific demonstration, or that it is solely an expression of art?

There are those who are to be admired for developing their systems to the apex of refinement, listeners who exhibit a marvelous degree of discrimination. Others, of acknowledged (or self-proclaimed) discernment, might choose from the menu of available cartridges a variety of presentational aspects.

If familiarity with a number of carts illustrates the qualities of each, the differences either subtle or bold, and assuming an acceptable level of performance of each, then friend Henry, I'm happy to join you in enjoying a smorgasbord of carts.

Cliff's Notes: There are favorite carts, of which I wish to continue to enjoy an appreciation of their particular qualities.

Peace,

Dear Henry, I didn't yet, which is why you haven't yet. No excuses for me.

I view my multiple tables, tonearms, cartridges like Kurosowa viewed reality in Rashamon: a matter of perspective, each one compelling on its own terms. Part of the fun is working with the various combinations until they realize their own coherency, they're own flawed perfection, their own best character. Then they speak on their own terms and I'm convinced by their narratives.

So beautifully put Wrm57.
I think the mistake is to believe that there is one 'right' presentation to audio?
As Suteetat so aptly points out........there is no one 'right' presentation to 'live' music?

I would like the ability to switch in a valve preamp and/or amp to replace the solid state ones in my system from time to time?
I would like the ability to move in some electrostatic speakers or horns from time to time to replace my dynamic ones?
But these substitutions are rather impractical for me and many others I presume?
The differences in 'presentation' these substitutions make on the same source material.......lead to an enlightenment or deeper appreciation of the possibilities in this wonderful hobby of ours.

With but one cartridge and tonearm......we must accept the benefits and beauty but at the same time....the limitations and deficiencies.
Much as we do with our wives or partners :-)

A collection of cartridges may be somewhat analogous to keeping a harem?