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turntable newbie: need advice for better sound

Recently bought on Amazon the Technics SL 1200MK and a Shure M97XE cartridge to go with it. Got an old guy in a record shop to set it up for me. Got it home and... I'm very ambivalent about the sound. While the soundstage is wide and there is definitely "air" between the different sounds, there is very little detail--sometimes I can't even tell what instrument I'm listening to. There is also a dullness (perhaps "darkness") to the sound and a lack of 3-Dimensionality despite the wideness of the soundstage. what else? Some distortion.

I learned enough to successfully change the tracking force from 1.25 (with the M97XE brush down) to 1.50 (with the brush down) and that actually got rid of a little distortion. Even that, however, makes me a little suspicious since 1.25 is supposed to be optimal.

ANYWAY, I'm looking for better sound. Any thoughts, advice?

The Technics is wired directly to a Mcintosh MA6500 and plays through Sonus Faber floor standing Concertos.
d2_lamay

Showing 4 responses by d2_lamay

d2_lamay OP
4 posts
 
Raising the VTA was a good idea. Darkness went away and the detail improved somewhat.

The red light is not flashing on the power knob. No problem there.

I got the guy at KAB, Kevin to give me detailed instructions on setting up the table. I followed them. I'm happier now with the sound. HOWEVER, I'm still considering whether a cartridge upgrade might not be best.
d2_lamay OP
4 posts
 
Good points. I used the Shure Stylus Force Gauge and a bubble level to take care of setup requirements.

I guess I should start looking for a better cartridge....
d2_lamay OP
4 posts
 
After reading the last two messages, I've decided to email KAB. Can I ship my table to them?

I have two records right now (with a bunch from my folks on the way). Both are new and were released within the past two years or so. One is The Editors "An End Has a Start" which is 33 1/2 rpm. I move the tone lever up one line for that. The other is Low "Drums and Guns" which is 33 rpm.
d2_lamay OP
4 posts
 
I'm a little at a loss. I really don't know anything about VTA.

I'm hoping that the problem is set-up. That would probably be the least costly thing to improve.
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