I think that there is a fault in the logic of these questions. No component punches above it’s weight IMHO. But some are much more accomplished in the context of sympathetic components. System matching will be much more important than any dollar allotment by category. That kind of thinking is a recipe for disaster IMHO.
More modest, but well matched, components will always sound better than more ambitious components selected based on ratings or dollar amounts.
Although “source first” is less important than it once was, I still adhere to this and my turntable/cartridge probably has a value four times that of my other components combined, but I don’t generally suggest this type of thing. Buy components that are known to work well in combination and buy the most durable of those that you can.
More modest, but well matched, components will always sound better than more ambitious components selected based on ratings or dollar amounts.
Although “source first” is less important than it once was, I still adhere to this and my turntable/cartridge probably has a value four times that of my other components combined, but I don’t generally suggest this type of thing. Buy components that are known to work well in combination and buy the most durable of those that you can.