Thanks for your reasoned response @lalitk .
I had several 
moments throughout my system building. I have to say, after all is said and done, room acoustics is the most important factor in getting great sound. It’s just not as sexy as buying a new component. I was 15/20 years in, before trying acoustic treatments. I still remember thinking I wish I would have started out this way....could have saved time and money.
I’ve been building my system in the same space for 30 years. One becomes very intimate with their system in this scenario.
I spent years of my early audiophile life with a VPI Jr. The ultimate DIY tt for a long while, which fulfilled my needs for understanding how differing materials and designs affect SQ. I went through all VPI upgrades to Mk IV status, even had a SuperPlatter on it. Also different belts IE: round, flat, bead cord etc depending the pulley I was using at the time. Also separating the motor from the base, various isolation platforms, wall mounts, cone material types, springs, tt power supplies, etc....This ultimately led me to compare various platter mats, weights, clamps. This long interest in reducing resonances by way of different materials/designs, intrigued me. So, this was my start.
Had an ET 2.5 on said tt for 20 years. I made a continuous wire loom for it with the same Cardas wire as factory, that removed one connection point. The difference was substantial and went into my memory banks.
One of my first cable epiphanies was trying a PAD (Purist Audio Designs) Elementa phono. It opened my then system up in a good way. I’m not a cable denier. Have since had many different designs in and out of my system.
My first phono cartridge moment was trying a Denon DL-110 on my then Pioneer DD tt. Woah....mind expanding at the time. Bought it from Japanese Stereo at half retail price. Some here may remember that store/outlet in California around the late 80s/early 90s.
Around this same time, I bought my first MFSL lp. Led Zeppelin II. ($!2.99 from MOFI) Another epiphany.....thus another never-ending quest for great recordings/pressings was born.
When I started fooling with speaker placement, realized how so important that is. Another major step for me then, that is now so obvious. I use dual subs in my small room and found that their proper placement is so important.
Decoupling all equipment where possible (especially tt) was a huge benefit.
I have dirty power at my house. The best conditioner I’ve owned are the Puritan PSM156 (2). Improved pretty dramatically over the passive 2nd generation Shunyata designs.
System synergy is key, I’ve own several amps that I use with my Usher Mini 2 Diamonds and while they all sound great, I purchased a pair Merrill Audio Veritas Monos last year and they are my new reference amps. More resolving and have great control. After experimenting with footers, went with HRS. Wouldn’t think they would make much difference under a solid billet aluminum chassis but they did. Finding the right cables made these amps/Ushers shine.
My Herron VTSP ESP REF and Audia Flight FL Phono are probably my endgame pieces in their respective duties.
