Bang for Buck

What are the components in your current system? The ones you are considering upgrading. And what is your allowable budget?

Agreed @reubent . I think the budget is going to dictate this answer.  

Right. Budget. If the budget is $150 then your best bet is probably a Blue Quantum Fuse, set of BDR Cones, maybe a Synergistic Research Master Coupler power cord. Something like that. If it is $3k then your best bet might be the Herron VTPH-2A or Koetsu Black Goldline. Unless you already have a great front end like that.

Which is why reubent wants to know, what is the rest of the system?

I was hoping for a global answer rather than a manufacturer/model recommendation.Eventually all will be upgraded, but for this say around $3000.

Thanks noromance, that’s my logic. I’m helping a novice friend who like most newbies goes for the big shiny first.