pace
rhythm
dynamics
timing
tonal balance
turntables I've enjoyed: Linn, Rega, WTRP
amplifiers: Naim, Linn, AVA solid state
current speakers: Bose 301 series V, 141 series II
I've found turntables and amplifiers to make the most difference in the first four attributes. Even very cheap cartridges and speakers can sound good when used with a quality turntable, tonearm, and amplifier. Different cartridge/speaker combinations can give me the tonal balance I want (tending toward the Grado ideal of "warm, smooth, full-bodied, non-fatiguing and rich"), and I prefer speakers that don't depend on my sitting in "the chair" to get satisfying sound, but sound good whether standng, sitting, lying on a couch off to the side, at the computer desk, etc.
rhythm
dynamics
timing
tonal balance
turntables I've enjoyed: Linn, Rega, WTRP
amplifiers: Naim, Linn, AVA solid state
current speakers: Bose 301 series V, 141 series II
I've found turntables and amplifiers to make the most difference in the first four attributes. Even very cheap cartridges and speakers can sound good when used with a quality turntable, tonearm, and amplifier. Different cartridge/speaker combinations can give me the tonal balance I want (tending toward the Grado ideal of "warm, smooth, full-bodied, non-fatiguing and rich"), and I prefer speakers that don't depend on my sitting in "the chair" to get satisfying sound, but sound good whether standng, sitting, lying on a couch off to the side, at the computer desk, etc.