Relative Importance of Analog Components


We see people struggling with what to upgrade next, or where to direct their attention if everything seems to be working fairly well. I'm probably a bit more inclined to give more importance to sources and less to speakers than most people, but in general I like to look at which component is the 'rate-limiting factor' which one holds back the rest and then concentrate on improving that.

But to look specifically at vinyl reproduction, I have the strong impression that out of the four main components, they can be ordered in importance of potential effect on sound like this:

Cartridge

Phono stage

Tonearm

Turntable

I'm sure other people would list those four in a different order. How would you rank them and why?

 

dogberry

Showing 1 response by honeyooi

In my opinion table is the most important then arm, phono, cartridge.if you put lesser value cartridge in the best turntable you will be amazed how it bring out the sound compare to better cartridge in lesser value table. 
But only experience in tables that comes with their own arm.