To those with multiple tables/arms/cartridges

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'.

I'm always surprised and mildly amused by those who seem to define it as a mission to find the one truth.

Glad to have been of service, if only mildly!

I don't know what an audiophile is supposed to be. In an ideal world where all recordings are made equal and there are no evil or incompetent recording label/studio/engineer, all recordings are made with absolute transparency and fidelity, honest to the musician's sound, then I could see myself with single source, single system that is totally transparent and have absolutely no sonic signature of its own and let the recordings do all the speaking and singing!
Unfortunately I am not in that world. There are some recordings that will sound great in absolutely transparent system. On the other hand, there are some great music on recordings that will just rear its ugly head when you expose it ruthlessly. I don't know of any cartridge/arm/table combination that can ruthlesly reveal all the glory of well made record but at the same time, forgiving the less than perfect recording that are great music wise. Some recording can benefit from a little bit more warmth, has piercing treble that can benefit from a bit more roll off top. Some are so good that you don't want any coloration from the equipment to interfere.
I suppose, if I only care about the sound, I can just toss the bad recordings away and end up listening to a few selected sonic spectacular recording through my single source system. However, I want to listen to great music and sometimes, some of those recordings may benefit from slightly different coloration/presentation by different setup.

I don't believe any of us who enjoys multiple turntables/arms/cartridges has equated that with 'audiophilia'.....nor has any of them here, proclaimed this peccadillo as a means to 'superior sound'?

The only one who has brought this into discussion is Syntax who I think is being slightly self deprecating if you view his published 'system'?
To reach the Nirvana of :

The most impressive Systems I listened to in the last 15 years

He only has to sell 2 of his 3 turntables, 2 of his 3 phono-stages, 2 of his 3 amps, 2 of his 3 arms plus his 2 extra armwands and 7 of his 8 cartridges?

Perhaps that is what he meant by

I am working on it still...

:-)

However, I want to listen to great music and sometimes, some of those recordings may benefit from slightly different coloration/presentation by different setup..

When we will follow that idea we have to look into the Past, too.
Most ratings from the top records (printed in books) Decca/London, Living Stereo, Mercury were written in the early 90's. And with what combination? Mainly with Linn LP12, a highly colored table, with real weak abilities in the higher and lower frequencies, a midrange pusher.
When we think about those ratings seriously we have to say (or I say that) nearly all ratings need to be rewritten because some ratings in Recording, Reproduction, Soundstage, color of tone have serious different results today. Don't get me wrong, a top record is still a top record but a lot with 12/10/14 rating from max. 20/20/20 are seriously better than that.
On the other side, vinyl today from a digital mixing desk, without any naturalness, do you need a 30k Phonostage, 10k cart for that? I don't think so, the only goal is maybe finding something which doesn't make you cry and that's it. But that is my opinion about.