What is the chain of importance in analog system ?


i seem to hear different opinions on this matter.
An old audiophile chap told me that the most important is the cart, arm, table, phono stage (in that order).
On the other hand, some analog guru said, that the most important is the phono stage, then the table, arm, cart.
One friend, even said, all is important!
I tend to agree that all is important but we don't have deep pockets to afford an all out assault on a tt system.
Perhaps some people here can share their views.
thanks in advance.
nolitan
Nolitan...i quoted your comment...that's what I understood you were after...if I misunderstood, I apologize.
Here's another suggestion, all used and fairly easily found on Audiogon for a total under $8000:

Table: SME 10/A includes 309 arm, $4500
Cartridge: Sumiko Celebation $700 or lower model Dynavector $500-$700
Hovland Music Groove 2 cable: $500
Pass Xono phono: $2200
Back to the topic.

I personally think it is the pick up, pick up and pick up. (analogy to digital would be the Transport)Turntable is where the information is 'measured dynamically. The closest it comes to when and how it was 'written' makes the magic happen. This includes the type of tone arm. Tangential arm does the best job on what the well designed TT offers.

With that said, up stream components in the chain does matter, the phono being the key second component.
I forgot:
A Record Cleaning Machine.
A good Record Cleaning Machine :-)

Pretty high in the Rating then....