Do you spend more on your cartridge or tone arm?

@inna it depends...

For example, the Clearaudio Concept Signature turntable with Tracer tonearm is in the $5k range or so. It’s the real deal. I wouldn’t hesitate to put a $4k cartridge on it, like a Hanna Umami Red, Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua or a Lyra Kleos. The table and arm are that good they can take advantage of it (and I already know Clearaudio arms work really well with DV and Lyra).

Synergy trumps trying to generalize about cost balance. I just think trying to do the latter is futile and can lead to sub-optimal or unhappy combinations.

dwette, I don't disagree with you, but I would do it, say, more conservative way. And in any case, phono stage must be real good for $4k cartridge, even for $2k cartridge for that matter. In my view, generally speaking, two/three times more expensive than cartridge.

I am using the phono stage in a Bel Canto Black EX Controller/Preamp.  Retails around $13K.

Mine is close to evenly split between tone arm and cartridge. With about $5K arm and $6.5K cartridge. You can do well with quite a bit of variability. I have heard some great systems with 2 x or more on the cartridge... or 2x on tone arm. I think with the dedicated isolation platform and tt... Have another $10K in the table, and $20K in the phonostage.