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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
ebalog OP
36 posts
 

@kerrybh Thanks for taking the time to reply.

That's an excellent point. Tonal preferences aside, if "the best" cartridge represents 5, 10 or 15% of the total sound of a system, dropping a step or two down in the family would not drop that down to zero. 

I suppose another way I could have phrased my initial question was "what % of performance is the model 1 or 2 down from the top?"

That doesn't quite get to the matter either. 

I realize much of what we do is chasing the marginal gain, and sometimes the difference between "something is verrrrry slightly off" and "everything is perfect" can sound small when expressed in percentage terms (eg 99% vs 100%) but perceptually is more noticeable. 

I also wonder if the rest of the system is highly revealing, does any weakness of a slightly lower performing cartridge get more brutally revealed. Or, is it that the cartridge 2 rungs down the ladder will sound good on an excellent system and good on a lesser system, but the lesser system would not be capable of presenting the top cartridge to it's fullest potential?

These are questions with no correct answers. My post is an attempt to foster discussion. I realize this is an imperfect process.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts.

oceanica
83 posts
 

Short answer IMHO:  speakers / room (I know ,not on your list but vital)/cartridge, toss up between arm and phono stage/ the rest.

At least that’s what I hear.

 

oceanica
83 posts
 

I meant to say that the contribution of pre, amps, cables, etc.  makes less of a difference than those components mentioned previously.

As far as % of each, hard to tell, depends on the system and situation.  I do think the transducer on each end of the chain is critical though.

kennyc
2,837 posts
 

I question the value of assigning percentages.

Besides our individual subjective preferences, we have different audio chains in different rooms.

Usually it’s best to address the weakest link in the audio chain and not a % contribution.

A amplifier centric system like Kondo may have a significant % vs other amps for that particular person, which that tells us nothing helpful to lift our own systems. Likewise systems can spend more on electronics than speakers, and vice versa, again not useful. 

If you’re trying to manage costs, % will not be helpful. 

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