2. amps-preamps
  3. 162788-144486

Flat speaker sound/preamp the culprit?/external EQ needed?

Hi, I have a Rogue Audio tube amp, which I love, a U-Turn turntable and an NAD phono preamp. Here's my issue: on many recordings the bass can really drown out the rest of the record. In general things sound muddy. When I plug my iPhone directly into the amp, I dont have this problem. So I think the premp is the culprit. (It has no EQ controls.) Can someone recommend a reasonably priced solution to this? An external EQ? Something else? (Someone recommended a Schiit Loki.) Many thanks in advance!
ineedhelpwithcables

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,100 posts
 
@ineedhelpwithcables From the link you posted I would consider a more expensive phono section, perhaps one with tubes.


This does not sound like a feedback issue to me.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,100 posts
 
I would also check the cartridge setup. First- how old is it and what sort of cartridge. If a moving magnet, its common to see the cantilever suspension perish after about 3-4 years. After this time the cartridge can take on either a stringent sound (suspension hardened) or a muddy sound (suspension is melting). It does not matter how long you've used it- it matters how old it is and what sort of environment its in- for example the suspension is more likely to melt if tobacco smoke is common in the environment.


If the cartridge is newer it might simply be how the cartridge is aligned in the arm, and you might also check the loading of the cartridge (if the preamp is so equipped).
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