Dear @spatialking : I think the overall issue is not about %%%% but the importance of each system link trying to achieve the " best " compromise/trade-offs we can do for a decent/good quality system performance levels.
The first question we have to ask our self is: which is the sounds source? because it’s from/bythe source link where all the sound information is developed/pick-up, so nothing is more important/critical that the cartridge in an analog rig..
Next could be the link item that will hold and helps the cartridge ( it has to mate it: to mate it well. ) to ride the LP recorded grooves: the tonearm.
After those links we have to think in other two important items: the TT and the phonolinepreamps and as important as is the TT normally where exist more " problems " is in the phonolinepreamp electronic item that’s the one that will handled all the hard task to not only amplify the cartridge signal but it has to do it with very low noise and low distortions and additional to all those it is in the phonolinepreamp where the recorded RIAA eq. must be mimc in inverted whole RIAA eq. with way lower deviation to achieve or be near to what the cartridge pick-up from the LP grooves.
After that and for me will comes the critical TT and platfform if any.
That’s only an opinion and my choice and I’m sure that every one of you have your own choice and way of thinking about.
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
The first question we have to ask our self is: which is the sounds source? because it’s from/bythe source link where all the sound information is developed/pick-up, so nothing is more important/critical that the cartridge in an analog rig..
Next could be the link item that will hold and helps the cartridge ( it has to mate it: to mate it well. ) to ride the LP recorded grooves: the tonearm.
After those links we have to think in other two important items: the TT and the phonolinepreamps and as important as is the TT normally where exist more " problems " is in the phonolinepreamp electronic item that’s the one that will handled all the hard task to not only amplify the cartridge signal but it has to do it with very low noise and low distortions and additional to all those it is in the phonolinepreamp where the recorded RIAA eq. must be mimc in inverted whole RIAA eq. with way lower deviation to achieve or be near to what the cartridge pick-up from the LP grooves.
After that and for me will comes the critical TT and platfform if any.
That’s only an opinion and my choice and I’m sure that every one of you have your own choice and way of thinking about.
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.