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Harshness/Distortion Question - Newbie

I'm new to turntables. I recently purchased a Music Hall MMF 2.2. Using the stock Music Hall "tracker" cartridge and have it hooked up to a Pro-Ject speedbox. I'm running it through a phono stage integrated into my Adcom GTP-500 receiver.

I've noticed with some recordings (Sinatra at the Sands, for example) that when I play it at modest volume levels I get distortion at the high end that I normally would not get at the same volume on my system listening to CDs. It's the sound you generally associate when you play a cheap boombox too loud, if that makes any sense. The record is in "ok" shape.

I suppose I am wondering if this distortion at the upper (treble) end is something associated with vinyl, or perhaps a limitation of my cartridge and/or lack of dedicated phono amp. (Note: I'm planning on buying a dedicated cambridge audio phono amp 640p when I can afford it).

Thanks for the help as always.

David
dmloring

Showing 2 responses by dmloring

dmloring OP
34 posts
 
Thanks for everyones help. The cartridge was installed by
the manufacturer. I think it's less likely that it's an allingnment
issue because the record sounded fine when I played it last a few days ago. Perhaps static buildup. I've bought a cleaning system the other day to try to keep my vinyl clean.

How do you clean a stylus?

Could tracking weight have anything to do with it (I can obviously experiment wth that).

Does distortion tend to increase more as you increase volume as compared to CDs?

Thanks for helping a newbie...
dmloring OP
34 posts
 
Great, thanks everyone
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