Generally speaking the expectation is that the closer you get to the LP, the more resolution you stand to gain with improvements. So the cart-arm combination is what to get right first. Information lost upstream can't be added back downstream.
YMMV section: of course that doesn't mean you can't make intelligent tradeoffs to suit your taste and budget. ;)
YMMV section: of course that doesn't mean you can't make intelligent tradeoffs to suit your taste and budget. ;)