IMHO - the order of importance in SQ is arm (properly matched to a table), cartridge/phono stage (matched properly), turntable. Up until just last year, I didn't even know a phono stage outside of the one that came with my integrated amp (which is an excellent Plinius) could be a huge improvement. After all, it had a switch from MM to MC, and when I got a very nice van den Hul MC I switched it and it sounded fine. It didn't become apparent until I began contemplating a maintenance for the cartridge that a trusted dealer said to get an external phono stage before addressing the cartridge. What an improvement! (Only second to upgrading the arm the previous year). I previously thought the only people who needed a phono stage were those with preamps or integrated with no phono selection option, and for less expensive systems like mine was, it was right.
I also almost doubled my total stereo investment during that 2 year period (upgraded the table to match the arm, getting the Linear power supply for the phono stage, vibration control for the table). Everything does matter, and you want to fix the weakest link at any time, but sometimes that is not clearly evident, or maybe one part is more $$ than you want to spend at that time. If I did mine in a different order, it wouldn't have been a big deal as long as I got the proper part when I did it. So, if you do one before the other, it's not a big deal, but try to get a sufficient enough improvement so you don't have to upgrade that part again before getting to everything else you want to improve.
I like the arm and table from the same manufacturer or made for that table, a direct wire/cable from the cartridge output to the phono stage input to eliminate connector plugs, and integrated amps (less interconnect cables once again) versus separates. Also make sure the cartridge isn't too heavy or light for the arm.
So if you are hell bent on keeping that table (I like Regas for tables under $3000) get a cartridge and phono stage if you want to spend a couple thousand or more. If not, consider a new table first. It probably won't cost much if you trade your in (unlike cartridges which are worth very little used) and can last you a very long time.
I also almost doubled my total stereo investment during that 2 year period (upgraded the table to match the arm, getting the Linear power supply for the phono stage, vibration control for the table). Everything does matter, and you want to fix the weakest link at any time, but sometimes that is not clearly evident, or maybe one part is more $$ than you want to spend at that time. If I did mine in a different order, it wouldn't have been a big deal as long as I got the proper part when I did it. So, if you do one before the other, it's not a big deal, but try to get a sufficient enough improvement so you don't have to upgrade that part again before getting to everything else you want to improve.
I like the arm and table from the same manufacturer or made for that table, a direct wire/cable from the cartridge output to the phono stage input to eliminate connector plugs, and integrated amps (less interconnect cables once again) versus separates. Also make sure the cartridge isn't too heavy or light for the arm.
So if you are hell bent on keeping that table (I like Regas for tables under $3000) get a cartridge and phono stage if you want to spend a couple thousand or more. If not, consider a new table first. It probably won't cost much if you trade your in (unlike cartridges which are worth very little used) and can last you a very long time.