To those with multiple tables/arms/cartridges

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?

Dear Nikola,
Of course you are right.
Of the 30+ cartridges I own......my 'favourites' rise to the top and there is little play time for those 'lesser' samples.
So....like you.....I will sell off eventually, many of those which add little to my appreciation of my vinyl collection.
That will still leave me with over a dozen or so wonderful, wonderful cartridges.
And think of the extended life given to the styli when their playtimes are evenly distributed? :-)

Greetings Professor (Timeltel),

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?

Not I :-)

The idea of permanently maintaining multiple arms and cartridges (or preamps, or...) isn't even remotely tempting. Why or when would I ever choose to listen to the inferior ones? Comparing different flavors of distortion really doesn't interest me.

I suppose I'm not a true audiophile. :-(

Audiophiles want to talk about Audio, not about Music.... or there is another sentence "The difference between Men and Boys is the price of their Toys"
Anyway, everyone has his own preferences and priorities, musical emotion can be also served via MP3 or Car Radio, the human brain works different. Interestingly, EVERYONE is able to detect good sound even with totally unknown hardware, you can see that in High End Shows. The remarkable time frame is a few seconds later when everyone tries to rate something for himself (...too big, too expensive, too cheap, ugly, too black, too shiny or whatever) this is an individual decision. When you ask a group of listeners after that demo, you will hardly find a common opinion, 4 audiophiles, 5 opinions...
Analog is in a way pure precision and knowledge, some Designers made a better product than others because they know the way of what-is-responsible-for-what.... does that mean, after a while you can find the one and only solution? No. But you can narrow it when you understand what you hear, then the rest of your System is made for that anyway.
The most impressive Systems I listened to in the last 15 years (about 5) were different, some with Electrostats, Horns, Dynamic speakers, some with tube amps, Transistor amps, various turntables, Arms and cartridges ... but in a way they all had something in common:
The owners were deep in records, they all had an impressive background knowledge and all their components were done right in a way ....Independent from price. Thanks for the reminder, when I go back to those situations, all had 1 Table, 1 Cart, 1 Arm, 1 Phonostage....I am working on it still...

Dear Syntax, This is rather an very sceptical few. Besides I don't believe that we all mean the same with the general expression 'audiophile'. It may mean whatever one like. I am not sure if I am 'deep in (the) records' but well sure that my 'background knowledge' is not impressive. Should I then give up this hobby according to you? I see that you yourself also think not to satisfy those conditions which you mentioned so do you intend to give up this hobby as well? As far as I know it is only possible for one single Catholic to become the pope. So we know in advance that some of the others may become cardinals at best. But if there is no such thing as 'the best cart' or 'the best' whatever how should we know who is the 'best analogist'? I see you are (still) working on this ... We hope to hear from you when you think that you are 'there'.