Turntable versus tonearm versus cartridge: which is MOST important?


Before someone chimes in with the obvious "everything is important" retort, what I'm really wondering about is the relative significance of each.

So, which would sound better:

A state of the art $10K cartridge on a $500 table/arm or a good $500 cartridge on a $10K table/arm?

Assume good enough amplification to maximize either set up.

My hunch is cartridge is most critical, but not sure to what extent.

Thanks.


bobbydd

Showing 2 responses by williewonka

@Bobbydd - either would be a strange approach to analogue reproduction because you will not be getting the best out of either the arm or the cartridge in either approach

You do need a good arm and a cartridge that is best suited to that arm
As an example...
  • My Audiomods arm cost $1000 and is an exceptional performer and
  • I have a Soundsmith modified Denon DL 103 with a ruby cantilever and their best stylus at around $500.
  • PLUS I added some additional mass to achieve a closer match of the compliance of the arm and cartridge.
The resulting sound is very pleasing

So as with anything in this hobby - a more educated approach can achieve much more than simply throwing cash at one particular piece of hardware

But it does not stop there - I researched
  • a sub platter of the right design
  • a platter of the right design
  • a plinth of the right design
  • vibration isolation
  • etc...

You just need to do some analysis before buying anything - especially with turntables, because the wrong choice can lead you down some very expensive rabbit holes.

My TT/cartridge combo is one of the most researched pieces of equipment in my system and it paid huge dividends in sound quality and enjoyment

Hope that Helps - Steve

I see the Pioneer has what looks like an interconnect of a relatively simple design (attached), whereas the Clearaudio has an interconnect that looks more substantial

Is it possible the Interconnect played a role in the differences you observed?

Are there other interconnect options for the Cleaudio you could try
- I see there are several on their website - which one did you try?

Regards - Steve