2. analog
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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 petg60

petg60
1,486 posts
 

Maybe i am old school but turntable/arm are the top of my list. Cartridge could be the last one, as even a modest mm would have a better chance to sing on a better platform than a top cartridge mounted on a much lesser turntable/arm combo. My current set up is turntable/arm/cartridge/ phono stage. I have solved the main part, and i know where to upgrade when ready.

 

 

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