Turntable versus tonearm versus cartridge: which is MOST important?

Wow this question has caused a few sparks!!

And some varied responses, all the better to understand the issue.

Basically, I'm in the process of upgrading my TT in my second system.  The current unit is vintage (Pioneer PL600 - the good one) into a Hana EL cartridge.  Total investment: $500.

Had the opportunity to directly compare it in my system to a Clearaudio Performance DC/Satisfy Carbon arm/Lyra Delos cartridge.  Total cost around $7K.

The latter was better in most parameters especially with respect to dynamics, detail, resolution.  Tonality/frequency balance was more natural with the vintage system (less upper frequency glare).  Bass was comparable between each unit.  Both rigs were enjoyable to listen to.

So naturally I'm trying to determine how much of the sonic differences are due to the cartridges themselves, versus the other components.  Ideally I'd like the resolution of the new rig and the tonal balance of the vintage set up.

The system: EAT Petit phono, Classe DR5 line stage, Pass XA25 amplifier, Joseph Audio Pulsar 2's on Sound Anchors.

So there you have it ...

Not a trolling question.

A lot of people use Hana's on quite good TT's in that price category, as an example. 

 Nowadays $10K is mid priced, crazy as it seems.