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
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So if I'm reading correctly  the general concensus is cartridges are priority one followed by phono amp then table?

It may depend on other factors.  I have 4 subwoofers in my room and there's a lot of bass energy..  Priority one is to have a table that won't be (or will be minimally) affected by the bass.  My Sota Sapphire is a champ in that department.  I've heard entry level cartridges sound really good on the right table.  Putting an expensive cartridge on a cheap turntable won't yield the same results.  All three matter, but if I had to prioritize, it would be table, phono stage, cartridge.  

Maybe a MoFi Ultradeck, better if bundled with the Master Tracker cartridge or better.  Great reviews.