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Develop a hierarchy for phono playback

I am hoping we can form a consensus on the relative importance of each element.  I will start by listing them in physical order starting at the record.

1. Cartridge

2.  Wires

3.  Arm

4.  Turntable

5.  Connecting cables

6.  Phono Stage

7.  Optional SUT and additional connecting cables

I thought about this two ways:  How might these elements be prioritized for someone just starting out?   Or, how might the elements be prioritized differently where cost is less important than best SQ?

billstevenson

Showing 1 response by faustuss

faustuss's avatar
faustuss
143 posts
 

Simply choosing a cartridge for which it's compliance and mass matches that of your tonearm's regardless of cost before even attempting a proper alignment.

@intactaudio 

I think you left the most important factor off your list and that is cartridge alignment.  It may ruffle some feathers but a properly aligned $500 cartridge will sound better than a casually aligned $5000 cartridge.

 

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