Honest question about cartridge vs. turntable performance.

Hi. I’ve not read everything that’s come before, so I apologize for any redundancy. I liked and agree with the early post about the cartridge, turntable and phono preamp each being 90% of the sound. So I treat all three equally, and I’m always asking myself, which of the three has become my weakest link? It doesn’t mean I spend the same amount on each one, but rather I read reviews looking for a piece that costs maybe twice what my current one does—and is consistently called a value that (I hate this phrase) punches above its weight. And the circle goes round till I’m happy. Which I am right now, for now. Given that you didn’t mention your phono pre, I wonder if it’s your next upgrade? 

I made the exact change...
I had the 'MMF 5.1' and changed to the 'VPI Classic 2se' which has a 10.5 tonearm
              o moving the Ortofon Quintet Black S MC cartridge

My opinion is that there was a significant difference in bass response and generally overall better sound.  Friends that frequently listen with me also thought there was a big difference from upgrading to the VPI.
     be sure to look for used here on audiogon. 
     lots of good options VPI, TTWeights, ClearAudio --> sky is the limit

rest of my set up -->  
· Threshold FET 9 pre-amp
· Threshold CAS1 amp
· Totem Hawk speakers
· Sunfire SDS8 sub
· Richard Gray Power Company 400S AC Line Conditioner
- NittyGritty record cleaner
  

Your Ortofon Black would benefit from a better turntable/arm. The new Technics tables/arms, as suggested here, definitely sound good with the 2M series. An added bonus would with the Technics is that it would allow you to swap out another headshell with the 2m white mono cartridge an you could enjoy mono records too.

As an owner of three turntables (all direct drive) I consider the merits are approx:
Turntable 35%
Cartridge 35%
Phono 20%
Tonearm 10%
But these merits are for performance.  There is an overwhelming argument to put your money into the turntable.  It is that you keep your turntable, whereas cartridges wear out.  Not to mention breaking them.  

Tube;

Lol,  Not much of a summary from anybody
        It seems like everybody counterpoints the other guy  

I’m in your boat, just bought Project Classic with upgraded Hana SL with Musical surroundings 2+
We will see!

My guess : from  upgrading cartridges on same turntable and hearing how loading a cartridge (Mc) changes sound on a preamp
   The all have an good size effect On a resolving “ enough” system. My guess is turntable the least , cartridge the most in pretty equal %’s 

If you find a good solid answer , let me know 

I do know that the real good LP stuff is fabulous, from listening to buddies “ good stuff” 

jeff