Perrew, your questions are very relevant, though perhaps better served in another tread. I know your considering the cart in question, please feel free to contact me, via email or better yet a phone call. Your underlying premise is correct though, I can only determine the cart did not sound good on my arm, and table. Though, in my personal vinyl hierarchy, the spinner is a DISTANT third after cart being one and arm being second. Regrading cart break in, NO component or cart has every "broke in" enough, if my first impression was not VERY favorable. IMO carts do tend to get more spacious sounding after some hours, however, I feel the tonal character remains fairly constant, though the VTF and VTA settings change throughout its life, to accomplish this.
David
David