LP ONLY sound superior if:
the arm and cartridge are located physically correct distances from the spindle; and the cartridge/stylus to groove angles are correct tangentially/horizontally and vertically, and the tracking force, and anti-skate force are ALL done carefully ONCE,
then play, enjoy, check only tracking force and anti-skating every few months.
You have identified, your cartridge is not tracking properly if the imaging is so noticeably different, and off to one side. Other factors/alignments may be improper.
I think you owe it to yourself to have the TT/Arm/Cartridge properly set and listen some when 'right' before you part ways, even if you need to pay someone to do it.
the arm and cartridge are located physically correct distances from the spindle; and the cartridge/stylus to groove angles are correct tangentially/horizontally and vertically, and the tracking force, and anti-skate force are ALL done carefully ONCE,
then play, enjoy, check only tracking force and anti-skating every few months.
You have identified, your cartridge is not tracking properly if the imaging is so noticeably different, and off to one side. Other factors/alignments may be improper.
I think you owe it to yourself to have the TT/Arm/Cartridge properly set and listen some when 'right' before you part ways, even if you need to pay someone to do it.