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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
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
@lohanimal , "use a trough for your tonearm." Could please elaborate. Are you talking about a damping trough with a paddle and oil? 
Could you show us a picture. 

I like that, " lazy engineering solution." I've always called it the "cheap" solution. That certainly makes three of us. "Oh, but you need to listen before you roast!" Not me. Shoot first and ask questions later. 
kennyc
3,013 posts
 
@bobbydd
Has your question in your OP been satisfactory answered, or are there further concerns?

In essence, all three (turntable, tonearm, cartridge) contributes to one systems sonics. To emphasize one while ignoring the others is a mistake - the entire audio chain matters. Usually, addressing/upgrading the weakest links (components) in one’s audio chain yields the best price/performance uptick.  
lohanimal
659 posts
 
@mijostyn 
yes damping trough with oil as you see in the Townshend turntables.
it works and I have read the thesis on it too. Pm me and I will email it to you. 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Thanx lohanimal, I have read several on the subject. It can be a great way to handle resonances that can not be handled otherwise.
jaym759
52 posts
 
to mijostyn5: monkey 47 and fever tree for the perfect calculus to match tt and tonearm formula...the cartridge will be like the olive or onion depending on your preference
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