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Is table really more importsnt than cartridge?

I've read numerous posts here and on audio asylum that say that the table and arm are each more important in producing audio quality than the cartridge. That a $2000 table with a $200 cartridge will sound better than a $200 table with a $2000 cartridge. Is this an accepted belief about analog systems? If so, why? And if not, why does this view get stated so regularly? Thanks.
winegasman

Showing 2 responses by aroc

aroc
760 posts
 
At first, i thought the transducer (cartridge) should be the most important. I mean all a table has to do is spin a record, right? how hard can that be? surely building a tranducer is tougher, right.

Wrong. I heard it myself in my own system with a Michell GyroSE table. Prior to that cart upgrades were ho-hum. the table upgrade was jaw-dropping (same arm and cart)

To use your above price, i would rather have a denon cart on a teres table than a lyra on a thorens or rega p2

Also think of it this way, the cart is NOT the first part of the chain. the lp spinning on the table is. if that isn't done right. fuhgitaboutit!
aroc
760 posts
 
Agree with Newbee. The thorens cannot keep up with newer designs. I heard a Michell GyroSE with newest DC motor absolutely slaughter a thorens in every conceivable category. It was not even close. The thorens is good for what it is, but there is better and it is worth it if you have the money and desire to seek it.
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