Update on my TT causing distortion at higher volume

@audphile1 I will just have to get one.

You're probably right. Just for kicks, what is your setup? Pre, main amp, TT and preferred cartridge?

I just listened to Keith Jarrett on a 1990's recording and it sounded like I was walking through Heaven. 

And that was with the $100 cartridge.

@nekoaudio I am using the Pro-Ject Align it.

I took my time.

And I have a Stylus Force Gauge. I first got the tonearm to "float" then zeroed. Then dialed in the proper weight for the cartridge. Then I verified and made a minor adjustment after using the gauge.

I work on guns and am used to patient / take my time work. I know that shoddy work could have bad results. But I know how to have fun as well. So I am having fun.

Am I making practical sense? maybe not. But I am having fun. (I am slowly becoming crippled due to pinching nerves at the L5 / S1. So working on guns and working on my music is all I have now.) 

I am in the market for multiple cartridges. so thank you @audphile1 and @jasonbourne52 ​​​​@noromance 

@ghdprentice I have "the bug" right now; then back to reality: I want an MM and a MC to see if I can tell the difference. Then I will feel a bit more educated. 

My original Legacy MC that came with the TT got trashed; somehow. which sent me down this road of diagnosing what happened. 

So during this adventure I decided to upgrade my phonostage from the Musical Fidelity M1 to the Eglo. So I will have a backup phono stage. So maybe I am being foolish but I am having fun. Right? That counts, right?

@lewm You had to ask. A logical question. But yes, it was plugged into the MM inputs.

My Musical Fidelity 5.5 CD player has a moderate volume into the pre-amp; my Cary Audio DAC is a higher volume into my pre-amp (I have to turn down the volume slightly). That phono was way higher through the phono stage into the pre-amp. I had to crank the volume way down.

On a side not: My Audia Flight 2 CD from Italy is a high volume output into the pre-amp. I will look at the specs on all of those devices just for kicks and see what the outputs are. I never much cared until now.

@lewm Very good advice. I am into the technical details on things I work on (Old Colt firearms) and my music. Math major and IT field most of my life. I like details and I like projects coming together.

@ghdprentice At some point there are diminishing returns. I don't like the re-tipping of MC carts or having to send to the factory for a rebuilt one. But then how many hours do you get from one? 1000 hours? 2 albums a day a year and a half of life? 2000 hours = 3 years of life?

I like the stylus replacement of MM carts. Seems practical.

I have a hard time spending $2,000 and up on a limited life cart. And will my ears tell the difference? Yes, my ears might. I have played (piano and sax) and listened to music since grade school. can easily tell in tune and OOT. I can tell musical nuances. within reasonable balance - music has been my life.

Maybe I will graduate to a top end (in my league) cart in the near future.

@michaellent I thought I responded and thanked you; but it appears not. So thank you. And thank you for the referral to Music Direct! And the cartridge SoundSmith.