Though the cartridge is the closest to the media, other components in the readback system is as, if not, more important.
- The turntable- to present the media to be read at the correct and precise speed. Insulated from external (environment) and internal (motor) vibrations.
- the tonearm-to support the cartridge smoothly across the vinyl without hindrance and insulated from extraneous resonances.
The above two needs to do a good job for the cartridge to give of its best.
BTW, the dac box is the phonostage.
Cause that’s where line level signal is outputted.