Honest question about cartridge vs. turntable performance.

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

I’ve noticed  some listeners aren’t as sensitive to pitch stability. The table may then be less important. A lessor table, especially a mediocre belt drive would be completely unacceptable to me. I cannot listen to piano not holding pitch. But a lessor cartridge I may more likely still be able to enjoy.