@holmz
Honestly, sound advice (no pun intended). While I have taken care of the first three, the tracking force and alignment points I need to address...thank you!
@lowrider57
I am hardwired (AudioQuest Goldengate) into my Denon PMA-600NE, which has a dedicated analog phono channel. I use the Denon pre-amp, not the Akai one.
I have put in a Sumiko Olympia cartridge, which I like better than the AT one that came standard.
@knotscott
I few ideas I didn't think of in there...thank you.
Namely the isolation platform and tonearm suggestions. Again, I'm not trying to make my Akai a Rega P9, but just tinkering with the available "upgrades" on my otherwise sentimental TT.
@chayro
I will look into it. And I agree...I'm not hoping to turn my Chevy into a Rolls Royce, but sticking with the automobile analogy, Chevy and Cadillac share platforms, powerplants, etc. sometimes. But there are certain components within them that distinguish the performance. That's the angle I am coming from...and keeping it into perspective.
Thanks again, all. Some good ideas I should consider!