Develop a hierarchy for phono playback


I am hoping we can form a consensus on the relative importance of each element.  I will start by listing them in physical order starting at the record.

1. Cartridge

2.  Wires

3.  Arm

4.  Turntable

5.  Connecting cables

6.  Phono Stage

7.  Optional SUT and additional connecting cables

I thought about this two ways:  How might these elements be prioritized for someone just starting out?   Or, how might the elements be prioritized differently where cost is less important than best SQ?

billstevenson

I used the same Cardas Myrtle heart cartridge, and the same phono preamp, on two different tables and tone arms.  The Marantz vs Transrotor with an Acoustic Signa­ture TA-1000 tonearm.  Huge, very noticeable difference. I would suggest balance and synergy, subject to owner’s bias of course.

Assuming that even the weakest link is not really weak,

what vinylcat said.

I think, cartridges less than about $500 are a waist of money, though. US prices, you can usually get some cartridges from the UK and Japan for significantly less.

@billstevenson 

  I burst out laughing when I read your first sentence “ I hope that we can build a consensus…”

I like your posts and think that you are a thoughtful listener.  However the subjectivity inherent to Audio appreciation mitigates against consensus building.

  IMO the best we can hope for on any topic are a couple of valid viewpoints that are cogently supported.  I have found personally that some great members here have viewpoints that just don’t conform to my reality although I respect the reasoning that goes into shaping their judgements.

  Meanwhile, back to phono stages…

I would like everyone to go back and carefully re-read ghdprentice's post.  I think his logic is excellent and could form the basis for consensus.  Thoughts?

The top of the list may need to be the record itself. Here there are 4 turntables set up from different manufacturers. A crappy record/recording sounds crappy on all 4. 
 

All leads back to the G.I.G.O. adage.