Develop a hierarchy for phono playback

@intactaudio  Won't speak for the OP but the assumption is that the cartridge would have proper set up including compliance/leveled turntable and vibration control. 

I can change the voicing of my entire system simply by changing the rectifier in the power supply to my phono stage. The biggest improvement to my current main system, the core of which started in 2006, was probably the change in cartridge, but everything else was up to snuff. I don’t know how to assign priorities or percentages simply because there are synergies and I guess I subscribe to a weakest link approach.

I also have no holistic view about system building beyond knowing what I hear, first hand. There are some known synergies, but a lot of factors go into sorting the system set up in the room to maximize its potential. In this sense, even using the same gear, I think every system almost becomes sui generis. 

Not dismissing the question posed, since I responded but I suspect you’ll find that some folks will be able to get great music out of a well set up vinyl front end with a modestly priced cartridge. 

So, my response should not be taken as a "rule" to apply to others, but rather, where I got the biggest uptick, once everything else was primed for it. Too many variables for me to wrap my brain around, perhaps. 

Interesting discussion.  I hadn't realized that the phono stage would make more difference than the cartridge, as some seem to say. 

I am also partial to the notion that the record should be at the top of the list, however.  No matter how great your equipment, a lousy record is still going to sound lousy.

I hate this sort of thread, but I am bored.  So, tonearm, phono stage, cartridge, wires cartridge to phono only, other ICs last. Why I hate this sort of thread: Any item in the chain can screw up the whole deal.  My ranking assumes each item is at least "good", and cartridge not misaligned, although my Viv Float tonearm constantly begs the question of alignment. You do have to align it according to the manufacturer template, which places the single null point at about 90mm from the spindle. So to that extent, even for the underhung tonearm, alignment is important.  And Dave demonstrated to me most vividly the importance of "zenith", the angle of the stylus contact surfaces to the groove walls which optimally should be 90 degrees.

@lewm said: "I hate this sort of thread, but I am bored." 

You need a hobby! :)