$3000 on Analog system - how to spread?

From a sound perspective, I believe that the components should go in this order (from most important to least) in the analogue chain of events, IMO. Given the percentage breakdown, the turntable (*) is generally the most expensive component in your average setup so take away the turntable and concentrate on the remaining three.

40% $800 - Tonearm
35% $700 - Phono stage
25% $500 - Cartridge
(*) $1000 - Turntable

Opinions, comments anyone??

Steveaudio; I haven't thought about anything yet. That's actually what I'm just starting to do. Another way to ask my question is, which link in the chain has the least and most impact. Whatever the most important was I would direct the majority of the funds towards, the least, well...

And, I'm surprised to hear that the phono stage has relatively small impact on sound. I'm glad I asked.

So, it sounds like I'm saying, make sure I have a good table and arm up front. Then upgrade the cartridge and phonostage as funds become available. Right? Thanx

After reading all these I just realize mine is totaly out of wack. Here is my breakdown:
12.8%------Arm, cables & isolation
25.3%------Turntable
1.86%------Cartridge
60%--------Pnono Stage
But....... I'm happy with my anaolg's performance

Justubes; Glad you're happy with your rig. Unfortunately, it's wrong and you will have to sell and repurchase accordingly.

;^)

Jaybo suggests a used "package deal". I'd say the same is true of new "packages". Many 'tables are pre-packed with OEM Rega RB arms, while Clearaudio and VPI "pre-pack" their 'tables with their own arms. For your purposes, these packages run from $1K (Clearaudio Emotion) to app. $2.1K (Acoustic Signature Challenger) with many in between. Add a cartidge and phono section and you're out $3K.

You may also want to consider cartridge inclusive packages from Acoustic Solid (see musicalsounds.com for pricing) or Blue Note ($2.4K at needledoctor.com).

Essentially, this will leave a third to one half your budget for a cartridge and phono stage which seems to me to be a reasonable ballpark.

FWIW, on a recent hunt for similarly priced analogue (I wanted to spend less, but I didn't need the phono stage) I unded up with a discontinued Transrotor Sirius at $1.5K inclusive of a modified RB 250. A Clearaudio Wood rounded the package up to $2K.

Good luck on your search.

Marty