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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
elevick
2,636 posts
 
How are you changing the weight? You truly need a scale. Also, a tiny bubble level for $5 will help. Otherwise, you are probably at the limits of the M97. It's nice but definitely not high end or even mid range. Look at some in the 2-3 hundred range???
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....
lindisfarne
511 posts
 
You can "max-out" that TT by contacting KAB Acoustics. Google them. Kevin is the owner and he knows the Technics better than anyone. The rest of your system, leave alone!
jlc76
37 posts
 
What records have you played? My setup consists of a 1210 M5GSE (this has upgraded tonearm wiring and RCA interconnects) and I also have the KAB fluid dampening system. I am using a vintage Shure V15 III. I am using a Mac C28 and MC250 with Klipsch Heresys. I haven't noticed any lack of detail, my only complaint is the Shure is a bit bright with some rock recordings. I would second having KAB do some work on it. I would go with the Cardas tonearm rewire and fluid damper, if that doesn't do the trick go with the cart upgrade and you will still be happy you had the KAB upgrades. Another thing to check is cart alignment, there are alignment tools that combined with a test record like the Analogue Productions Hifi record (300hz tone), it helped me fine tune my rig by adjusting cart alignment.

There are some on here that feel the Technics is not an audiophile turntable, but it sounds better (and will last a lot longer) than anything "audiophile" at that price. Of course I use to DJ so I am very partial to them.
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