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 ...

I see the Pioneer has what looks like an interconnect of a relatively simple design (attached), whereas the Clearaudio has an interconnect that looks more substantial

Is it possible the Interconnect played a role in the differences you observed?

Are there other interconnect options for the Cleaudio you could try
- I see there are several on their website - which one did you try?

Regards - Steve

Dear @bobbydd : According with almost all those gentlemans that already posted you need to change your TT and tonearm and you can go a ghead on that kind of advise. Now, your vintage front end is as " decent " as the Clearaudio if you make a tonearm rewiring and along " better " headshell a new better headshell wires.

In the other side: in both front ends who is putting the tonal color?, yes both transducers and your cartridges are way different in any single design characteristic, the only common in between shared characteristic is that both are transducers. Useless to make any kind of performance levels in between.

What you need is a cartridge that be near to your MUSIC/audio listening priorities along your room/system.
You need a different overall natural tonal " color " and you can go with either MM/MI or LOMC alternatives. Several options down there.

Good luck with that cartridge " hunting ".

R.

Of course that maybe with some tweaks to your room/system could change the today overall tonal color. Could be a little help but nothing as " radical " as a different transducer. Your call.

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.

Why do you think it’s a good one? The PL600 is fully automatic old entry level turntable from Pioneer. The good one is PL-70L II

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.

This is radically overpriced, compare it to brand new Technics SL1200GR for $1700 new.

The latter was better in most parameters especially with respect to dynamics, detail, resolution.

This is LYRA CARTRIDGE

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.

In my opinion the best cartridge for your entry level Pioneer turntable and its tonearm is Moving Magnet Pioneer PC-1000 mk2 with Beryllium cantilever, amazing cartridge that you can compare with multi thousand dollars MC (which I did many times).

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.

If you like vintage turntables try to find the best of them, not an entry level unit that gives you nothing of that “vintage sound”, especially if you are using it with Modern MC cartridge.

Upgrade your turntable to a better Pioneer PL-70L II and try Pioneer PC-1000 mk2 cartridge (you will be blown away). This is really good vintage system!

****

P.S. I like a mix of vintage and new high-end, you’re welcome to virtual tour of my system where you can find many different cartridges from relatively cheap vintage MM to extremely expensive new MC. Many tonearms and turntables. If you ever need my advice for vintage MM just send me a message.   

I I agree with Raul. Assuming one has a GOOD table and arm- good tracking, steady speed…
Then cartridge is most important. It all starts with the cartridge.