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

Since a cartridge can't tell the difference between the vibrations it creates following the record grooves from the ones that are transferred through the TT and arm, I would put TT and arm at 1 & 2 followed by the cartridge, with phono stage at 4 and connecting cables, wires and SUT at 5, 6, and 7 respectively.

 

The cartridge is---as is the loudspeaker---a transducer. Both are the most variable (in terms of sonic character, color---the reproduction of vocal and instrumental timbre, and transparency) component in a system. IMO.

Likewise, the biggest contributor to the sound of a recording are the microphones, which are also transducers. Substituting a different recording mic can drastically change the sound of an acoustic instrument, far more so than changing any piece of electronic gear. 

 

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