Bonzo, Would these be different TTs, arms and phonos in the same system, or in different systems in different rooms with different music over time? I would find it extremely difficult to recognize a particular sonic trait across these varying circumstances and then conclude that it is the cartridge that is responsible for a particular sound. However, I fully understand that people describe various cartridges as having particular traits, consistent with others' impressions, and these conclusions are reached by different people across a whole spectrum of conditions.
I prefer to evaluate a cartridge in my own system if possible.
Yes, I am taking about different arms, phonos, and TTs for the cart. I do agree with analog it's extremely difficult to find consistent sonic traits, but you will not find it difficult to recognize the cartridge contributions is you swap that cart with something else in those systems. For example, Lyra Atlas vs Ortofon as95 in one, Atlas vs KOetsu in another, Atlas vs Shelter harmony, etc...and simultaneously you will get to hear Atlas with different arms and phonos.
IMO hearing in your own system is limited by budgetary restrictions, unless you can buy multiple arms, phonos, and carts to know what is the best cart for you. Demoing a cart inhome is difficult. Take DaveyF's thread, you can see how many have bought a cart without listening. Saying I would like to demo it at home is ideal, and sure, in an ideal situation everyone at their price point would like to line up many for a compare, please let me know how many do that.
Now take micro, for example...he currently has an ARC set up, a CJ set up, and Lamm hybrids to evaluate on his Wilsons. Plus a facility close to him for Dags and Constellation. How many have that luxury? In that case home evaluation is fine, but otherwise it means nothing if someone who owns a Nagra on a Wilson buys an ARC and says oh wow, it is so fantastic. I would interpret that as you were probably underdriving your speaker, now you moved over to a decent amp, and haven't yet evaluated other options. Likewise, Micro's feedback would be great for someone who owns Wilsons and similar, but not for Logans and Apogees (unless, of course, you get him to move his Wilsons and repeat the evaluation on the Soundlab Ultimates
and check for consistencies, but again, how many can do that)?