Gonna see if I can ask this question correctly:
A phono cartridge can change how a vinyl record sounds quite significantly. But if I have to choose between upgrading to a high end cartridge or to a high end stereo, which will make a more noticeable difference and how?
Now with CD’s, what would greatly alter the sound the most? The player or the stereo?
The speakers are also at play in this and even wires and all the pieces like pre-amps, etc. when I’m asking this question.
But what singular piece of equipment can effect how something sounds, and will it change from source to source (cd’s, vinyl, digital, etc.)?
Statistically speakers, but the amplifier in some instances. Back when I went from Monitor Audio RX1’s and an HK3490 to Revel F35’s and Hegel H160 I noticed that the amp offered like 75% of the upgrade and completely changed how the RX1’s sounded like. Now when I upgraded to F228Be’s and Hegel H390 I’d say it’s about a 50/50 benefit from the previous pair.