Hello! According to you, the sound was so terrible that it is unlikely that the player itself could have had such an effect. The cartridge may be special if it was in unsatisfactory condition. But if you haven’t touched it all this time, then it’s unlikely to get any better. You didn't mention which phono stage you connected it to or which amplifier. Think, could something have changed in them? Did something happen, for example, to the power supply in the apartment over the past year and a half? How warm was each component including cables? And were there any changes in the room itself that could affect the reflections? Most likely you would have noticed this on the CD, but what if? This is some kind of miracle.
amazing transformation...how?
A couple of years ago I purchased a used but in excellent condition, VPI Scout turntable. The previous owner included a Dynavector 20x2 high output cartridge which I was very excited about.
I got it all set up, grounded, stabilized and isolated etc and couldn't wait to put on some vinyl, sit back and enjoy! I don't remember what album I put on but the result was, I HATED the sound. It was excruciating! I tried tweaks, cleaning, changing music...it didn't matter I HATED the sound! Way too bright, harsh, grating on my ears. I gave up! and have spent the last year and a half only listening to CD's.
About a week ago, I for some reason decided to give the TT and cartridge another try. I put on a record, fired it up and something amazing happened! it sounded incredible! Smooth, detailed, open, balanced...NONE of the characteristics that I heard and hated months ago!
My question is, WHAT happened??? HOW?
Nothing else changed in my system. I have tried multiple albums, various types of music. They all now sound amazing. I can't wait to spend time relistening to my vinyl collection and adding more! I had pretty much given up on vinyl but that has all changed! ....Welcoming thoughts.
