The Player or the Instrument?, A better violin is better for the player? Options

[ViolinQueen]

I'm just interested to know what everyone thinks about this whole topic of 'a better violin can be better for a player'. My Violin is a simple Antoni Debut, purchased from DJMusic - Having little experience of violins, I decided to purchase it because from the reviews, I thought that it was probably okay for its price (?50 + postage) - that was when I decided to give it a try... But I wish I hadn't rushed into a decision now. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Its a bit cheap sounding and although it looks good, I'm not sure about the sound - especially after I saw a demonstration of it on youtube. My music teacher, (NOT specialised in violin area) says that with some decent (maybe dominates?) strings I could MAYBE go to grade 3/4 at a stretch - but I was kinda hoping that it'd take me to around grade 4/5 before I upgraded to a better violin so that I could really know where my violin preference lies. Also, with a new clarinet (and mouthpiece!) to purchase quite recently, I really can't buy two instrument at the same time! (It'll feel really cheeky to ask parents for them! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) )

However, on violinist.com (I think) it said that the tone from the violin comes from this points, in order of importance:
Player (Of course! Even a 'Orange box' will sound good in the hands of GIDOM KREMER!)
Set-up
Bow
(Last 10%, violin)

So what does everyone think? Surely a good violin aids the player, but is it crucial for a good player to have a good instrument to reach grade 8? I think not, but what is your opinion?

[elidatrading]

The player is vastly more important than the violin. The time when you need to change violins is when the violin you have is causing you constant difficulties. As a retailer I spend far more time talking adult learners down in price than up!

Liz

[ViolinQueen]

The player is vastly more important than the violin. The time when you need to change violins is when the violin you have is causing you constant difficulties. As a retailer I spend far more time talking adult learners down in price than up!

Liz

It's already causing me difficulties, but I suspect that its down to my technique (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

PS: The difficulty for me is that (in first position) when I am switching from D on the A string (third finger) to G on the D string - especially if they're in a slur (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)
PPS: Vibrato is not compulsory till grade 5... right? Coz I've not been practicing it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)