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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 theflattire

theflattire
233 posts
 

Phono stage first.

Everything else has to go through it.  Not sure why folks don't see the logic behind this.  You can have the greatest TT/Cart ever but running it through a mediocre phono stage only gets you mediocre.  A great phono stage will let you hear the changes you make behind it.

Get the most phono stage you can afford.

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