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
Post removed 

@intactaudio agree strongly with set up added to the list, and IMO that requires microscopy analysis to deal with errors such as zenith, which can be as much as +/- 5%.

Wally Tools is the only source that I am aware of that provides and end-to-end solution.

For the list...

  1. TT (which for me includes arm because I've only bought ClearAudio combos.
  2. Cart
  3. Cart set up 
  4. Phono stage
  5. Wires

Why? 

The TT is the foundation. You can always grow into a commensurate Cart/PS combo.

Cart before PS because the cart influences the what PS you need or want to some extent. 

@whart wrote

So, my response should not be taken as a "rule" to apply to others, but rather, where I got the biggest uptick, once everything else was primed for it.

I think that last clause is important: all other things being equal, the closer to the source, the bigger change can be expected when something is upgraded. Errors there are going to be magnified going down the chain of reproduction; a "perfect" loudspeaker can only reproduce the imperfect signal from a poor cartridge etc. This assumes all components are roughly of the same calibre, and if you do have a "weakest link" it must be addressed first.

And don’t forget the platter mat...if your TT has one. After market mats can make a significant difference.

Cleeds and Mahler123 with their realistic perspectives correctly predicted that my effort to form a consensus would fail.  Still it has been worthwhile to try, because I got more than I had hoped for.  ghdprentice wrote in part:

 "...Turntable (all) = Phono Stage in importance and is 95%... the cables will net you a small (say %5) improvement vs the major components. 

Then breaking down to the first level:

Turntable = Tone arm = Cartridge. About equal responsible for 95% of the sound quality.

So, I guess that means roughly 45% phonostage, 15% cartridge, 15% tone arm, 15% turntable and 5% wires.

This is about what my systems have typically ended up. For a long time I underestimated the phonostage and it was alway holding back my turntable." 

For anyone aspiring to assemble a highly resolving system, my advice is that they  grasp the significance of his contribution.  I would like to thank everyone for their participation.