Calling All Analog Gurus! What to do about my vintage Signet TK7LCa?

Problem solved! I started from scratch, raised the VTA a smidge, re-cleaned the stylus, and reset all of the connections. Whatever was wrong is now right. It is as if two thick blankets have been removed from the speakers and the cartridge is now singing beautifully. I've got a little hum issue I still need to work on, but at least now I know the cartridge is not defective. Far from it!

My sincere thanks to all who weighed in with constructive comments.

Acman3, thanks for some useful feedback. I am going to give it another cleaning tomorrow, including the old Magic Eraser approach, and will also fiddle with the VTA. I have the VTF at about 1.5g--does that sound about right to you?

I didn't pay very much for the cartridge, so if I can send it to Soundsmith or the Needle Clinic for a more thorough cleaning or retipping, I would still consider it a good investment. The best way I can think of to describe the sound is "sanded off." I did not expect the level of detail I got with my previous Dynavector, but I cannot believe that the Signet is supposed to be this muffled.

In any case, I appreciate your tips and will give your suggestions a try.

Nope. Here is the ad--and pics--of the cartridge I bought. I made an offer and got it for substantially less than the list price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252409337808?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT