What is the chain of importance in analog system ?

If I were to start over again. The entire chain would go like this. For analog only playback.

A#1. MONEY.
1. Turntable.
1a. Consider 2 arm table.
2. Arm.
2a. Additional arm to be mounted later. Stereo/mono play back.
3. Phonostage.
3a. With 2 inputs.
4. Cartridge.
5. Preamp.
6. Speakers.
7. Amp.
8. Cables interconnects & speaker.
9. Power Conditioner.
10. Power cords.
Records between everything.
IMHO.

thanks for the input guys. So, if we are to put this in reality, maybe you guys can suggest some good combos to start with based on the theories and experiences you guys have.
maybe a tt system w/ cart, table, arm, phono stage and tonearm cabling for $5000-$8,000.

Ex: Lyra Dorian-> VPI Classic with original tonearm-> modwright phono stage-> nordost tonearm cabling

this is getting interesting.

"maybe you guys can suggest some good combos"

That's the way to do it!

As has been stated above, everything is important.

It then, IMO, becomes a question of value for money. As a result of that, it becomes a question of where you focus your money.

Once again, IMO of course, it then goes this way.

Good turntables are not cheap (even used). Good phono stages are not cheap, particularly for LOMC (even used).

Good tonearms can be had at a more reasonable cost (new or used).

Good cartridges can be had at a more reasonable cost (new-I wouldn't consider buying a used cartridge personally, but to each his own, although I do think a "tweaked" cartridge is the way to go).

Therefore, IMO once again, strictly on a cost basis, the following formula should apply:

Tied for first (within reason): Turntable and Phono Stage
Second: Tonearm
Third: Cartridge

I find that vinyl is the most important part of the analog chain....without it, the other parts are meaningless, IMHO.

Cheers,
John