Clearaudio Concept TT subpar sound quality

Hi Russ, thank you for your comment. I am looking at the Hegel V10 phono preamp. I do hope that upgrading the preamp will make a substantial difference. What do you think of the standard Clearaudio MM cartridge?

"What do you think of the standard Clearaudio MM cartridge?"

Agforte,

The Concept MM  may be  in many ways an entry-level cart with limitations, but  "Lack of clarity"  and "over-saturation"  are not characteristics that describe this cart when properly set up.

You mention one parameter that you've tried to set (vtf) but nothing about checking the 7 or 8 other factors critical to a proper setup, beginning with leveling the platter that might explain why you are getting inconsistent VTF readings at different locations.  

There is quite a bit of info around the forums and online publications concerning your TT,  and in general how perform a proper basic TT setup.  The best, most expensive cartridge on the planet will sound like rubbish without it.  Suggest you stick with what you have and learn how to get the most from it before moving up.

You've set a very low bar of "as good as Spotify".  With a bit of research and practice, I have no doubt that you'll exceed it.  Good luck!

Thank you for your kind words Sandstone, I do hope I will be able to solve this issue. BTW I did level the platter. The only thing I have not done is play with the anti-skate as it is rather tricky on this TT. I do hope that's not the culprit of the problem because modifying that would be out of my comfort zone.

Talking about the Concept TT, I would not buy it again... mostly because of all the settings being so hard to reach (except for the VTF, everything is at the bottom of the TT). Just my opinion.

@agforte

IMHO, the best way to connect the turntable to your system is using a phono preamp with built-in volume control and directly connect to your active speakers analog inputs.

Something like a used PS Audio GCPH phono preamp or any analog preamp with built-in phono stage should do the trick.

Reading again the comment by Sandstone: does any of you get different VTF readings at different locations on the platter? I do and the platter is perfectly leveled in every direction.