Phono to pre cable swap

Can’t swear that’s what happening, in your system.      That’s just what reversed phase sounds like, to me, with some recordings.     Here’s hoping you find audio bliss.     It can be elusive!

When playing vinyl, especially with some Direct to Discs, I find reversing polarity (available on my phono stage), helps with image specificity.      If your system offers an easy method, try it.      It’s been my experience; the better the recording, system, and presentation, the easier it is to notice, "The Wood Effect", which (to my ears) results in what you’re describing.      Just a possibility.      I also agree with letting them, "settle".