Nice try, @billstevenson , but not practical or likely applicable. Most purchases are budget limited, so trade offs until deep enough pockets to optimize individual components. For instance, a quality tonearm may be similar in cost to an entry level turntable+tonearm combo. Also, with many carts, phono stages, etc. how do you choose? At what level is acceptable? It’s not black and white.
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?