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Opinions sought: % contribution to sound by component — specifically cartridges

Hi, all!
I’m wondering if I can get some opinions on the contribution to sound of various components in an analog chain — assuming that all components are of a similar, highly-resolving/musical level; i.e., nothing out of balance.

Here is what is in my setup:

  • Cartridge
  • Tonearm
  • Turntable
  • Step-up transformer <> RIAA line stage [I’ll consider this one item — assuming appropriate gain for the output of one’s chosen cartridge]
  • Amplifier
  • Speakers

(Yes, I’ve left out interconnects, speaker cables, power cords, racks, room treatments, etc.)

The reason I ask is that I’ve built what I’ve felt is an exceptionally musical system over a 25+ year period that has withstood the test of time for me. The newest component is from ~2010. E.g., my amplifier is a Kondo-san-made / Audio Note Japan-branded Neiro Silver from the late 90s. I'm the original owner.

Some cartridges I’ve had in my setup include these LOMCs: XV-1s, Etna SL, Blue Magic Diamond. 

Due to some changes in life circumstances, my Etna SL is no longer singing as it once did, and I may not have the means to get a cartridge near this level. I’m trying to prepare myself for what I may be giving up, so I welcome comments on that as well.

Thanks for your thoughts!

ebalog
dwette
531 posts
 

That’s impossible to generalize, in my opinion.

My analog front end (incl. three high end cartridges and tonearms) is about half the retail cost of my system, but that’s just how things worked out. I still think I have a nicely balanced system overall, at least for analog. Digital gets cheated somewhat, but it’s not as much a focus for me as playing vinyl.

However, I wouldn’t say that what I have and how I came to it applies to other systems. My rule of thumb on everything is "it depends..."

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,832 posts
 

@ebalog retipping your Lyra is an economical approach that might get it singing again 

dwette
531 posts
 

Lyra also has an exchange policy. More costly than just a 3rd party retip, but it nets one a brand new, latest spec cartridge. I have two Lyra Atlas Lambda, and plan to use the Lyra exchange as long as I can. A 3rd party retip is a less costly option, but there’s no guarantee that brings back the lost magic, and can potentially make things worse.

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