Table,cartridge,phono...where to put most of my money?


  Let me start by saying im a digital guy,to be specific a CD/SACD guy.Years ago I ventured back into vinyl only to be totally disappointed in my efforts.I wanted to hear the records I had been hauling around the country every time i relocated.I  bought a Linn LP12 and had  all the upgrades done.I never could get it sounding good,even paid to have it setup by a so called expert...Fast forward ,I tried again maybe 6 years ago.Bought a VPI super scout with a couple different phono stages(dont recall what they were)..About the same outcome,was ok but for all the fuss,time,cost I felt another unsuccessful attempt..A few weeks ago i bought at an auction a direct drive Pioneer table from the 70s for a couple hundred.It was paired with a decent cartridge.I bought a used phone amp off ebay and off and rolling i went.Its no where near my digital side across the board and i didnt expect it to be but its got me wanting more....Long story short,I have a budget of 5k/6k for everything..table,cartridge and phone amp..Yes i understand everything is important but where would you put the bulk of the budget...and what would you buy with the limited info given,,Thanks

missioncoonery
Post removed 

@baylinor +1 I too have a Pioneer PLX1000/Denon 103R ($1040 total) and it does sound excellent! Of course one can spend multiples of that but diminishing returns set in quickly!

@missioncoonery 

i had your exact budget and split it into 3 more or less. 

table, technics sl200gr

herbies 4mm mat

cartridge lyra delos

phono pre sutherland 20 20 with linear power supply. 

the sound does everything my best digital sources do- fast, detailed, deep thunderous bass, sweet midrange, big big soundstage and dynamics with burst. 

all with a more smoothing burnish of a vinyl system.  

 

It would be nice to know your digital setup, since that is the competition. I think you need to spend more money on a vinyl setup to beat a good digital setup. And I'm a vinyl lover.