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Phono Stage, Tonearm, Cartridge Question - Which is the most important?

I’ve been on this site for some time and have always been impressed with the amount of knowledge here.  I am a music lover to the core and I really enjoy the end result of high-end audio.  Over the past 3-4 years I have significantly upgraded my system based on advice here and from professional retailers. I have no technical skills or background but would say I have graduated from “I don’t know what I don’t know” to “I know what I don’t know” with what I don’t know being quite a lot.  I am, however, intellectually curious and eager to understand how things work.

With that background, my question is this. When considering the phono stage, tonearm and cartridge chain, which component is the most significant determinant of how a record sounds? I know everyone has different views about how something should sound but which of the three components has the greatest impact on how something will sound and why?

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!

@puppyt

 

 

 

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bigkidz
3,387 posts
 

Being a manufacturer the phono stage is the most important.  We have access to so much equipment and the phono stage is what produces the sound.  You don't have to spend big bucks on a cartridge like the Denon DH103 and get a wood body for that, or a TT.  We have used older modified TT's with good wood surrounds and that will compete with most anything out there.

Happy Listening.

kb54
111 posts
 

The record is the most important!

tablejockey
3,916 posts
 

Can't we just say-it's the SUM of everything, AND it starts with the record?

 

artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,965 posts
 

Imo, your question is akin to asking which link in a chain is the most important. The hifi system, like the chain, is no better than the weakest link. Therefore the priority should be to replace or repair the weakest link.

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