Frequency response off with test record


I was running some tests with the Analogue Productions Ultimate Test record, and on Track 7, side 1, I found that my frequency response seemed off, peaked somewhere in the middle of the 1 kHz to 20 Hz range, in about the 3rd to 6th frequency down. Is this likely a cartridge issue or a preamp/loading issue? I was measuring with an oscilloscope from the tape outputs of my preamp. The cartridge is a Transfiguration Phoenix and the preamp a Spectral DMC-20. If I remember correctly, I think the cartridge load is about 100 Ohms.
ctlphd

Showing 2 responses by mijostyn

"around" is not good enough. Get a test record that reports the frequency such as the Hi Fi News Analog Test Record so we have a better idea what is going on. Right now just listen to music and enjoy. In the end what are you going to do about this, get a new cartridge? I think not, especially if you like the sound of the one you have now. 
ctlphd, it would help if you could report that directly in Hz and dB off.
No system is perfectly flat and cartridges will roll off at both ends. Depending on your scale this can look pretty scary but you may only be down 3 to 6 dB at both ends which would not be out of the realm of normal.