Armboard material can make a huge difference in SQ. Even more so if your phono chain is "clear" (neutral) and "detailed" (transparent). Then according to the build of your turntable all the same. On my Thorens TD14X 'Super' DIY tweaked by me where the suspended sub-chassis design allow some of the good resonance to shine through, likely more so than on an "over dampened" turntable like a SL-1200 where the arm board material will have less to little impact on SQ if any.
I kept the original less "desirable" acrylic tonearm board my Thorens and SME3009 came with. I have tried DIYed beechwood armboard but got a "bassy" and "muffled" sound so took it off. Then tried a vintage original cast alloy SME armboard but got "bright" sound. So I kept my humble but perfect for it's SQ job acrylic armboard. I guess it depends on your tonearm and turntable build combination, tweaks and configuration matches that makes it "work" or not. Then there's one earbuds as well...
- Cart Denon DL-102 in bakelite Ortofon SPU 'G' type headshell
- TA SME 3009 'Improved' converted in heavy mass with detachable headshell
- TT Thorens TD160 'E' totally tweaked driven by an 'Eagle & RoadRunner' PSU & tachometer combo
- Matts top to bottom: leather, cork, felt & 12" vinyl
- Pre-amp 'Modulis' Isem
- Amp 'Exampli' Etalon 2x40W
- Speakers 12" Leak 'Sandwich' first generation creatively recapped