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.)?
Speakers number one no question and placement is almost as important as the speaker itself. the cartridge is important as well. I had a plinius class a amp for a time and that made a big difference but not as big a difference as better speakers. wires matter up to a point and that point is thick enough to carry the sound and bi wire or bi amp make a difference because it separates the sound so the crossover does not have to. just my opinion. vinyl will always sound different than the digital sources. not always better but often better.