Why is my turntable sounding so muddy?

Get that Linn on a Sound Organisation table ASAP! That is the stand specifically made for the Linn. I had the same problem myself with my Heybrook. The SO solved the problem! I have seen them for sale for as low as $30.00. +FD

perazzi28C

ould be as simple as a dirty stylus. Obviously be very gentle, use a tight pile stylus brush with the tonearm free and not locked down

Oh no, I completely disagree with this. If the pickup arm is not locked down, it's subject to movement as you try to clean the stylus. That's exactly what should be avoided. If the arm is locked down - and you're careful - it's not difficult to ensure that the stylus is cleaned only back-to-front, with no sideways motion that could damage the cantilever alignment.

Could be as simple as a dirty stylus. Obviously be very gentle, use a tight pile stylus brush with the tonearm free and not locked down. Apply no more pressure than the tracking force, back to front. Hope this helps.

I'd run that preamp for a week before taking it seriously. Electronics don't like sitting around for years without being run. Audio equipment has a way of not sounding right when you turn it on again (or ever- unless it gets serviced out after not running for a while).

The phono section is arguably the most sensitive part of the preamp in more ways than one. Give it some time!

Could there be corrosion on any of the connections?  Maybe it's time to clean the contacts?

Thanks for all the positive feedback. I tried a few things that you guys mentioned and the one thing I did was put the original cartridge back on.
It sounds better but still not quite what I think is correct? My next move is new tubes I will give that a try. Czarivey your thought is the one 
I thought about and that is why I went back to the original cartridge. I don't have the manual on my Counterpoint SA3 and looked on line for where the setting are but no luck yet. Again thanks for you help.

another cause can be a buildup of gunk on the stylus. The big wads are easily seen but i have noticed a buildup can cause the sound to be muffled or muddled. A little Magic Eraser can remove that from being a source of the issue

if you plug to the wrong input MM instead of MC or visa versa, than your TT will sound muddy.

Did you remove the belt when it was put in storage? It's common to have a problem with the belt when a turntable has been in storage with belt installed.

In addition to the thoughts already posted, your cartridge may need some break-in time. Have you played it for 20 hours yet?

Since your Linn was in storage and not being used, the electrolytic capacitors may need replacing. Also the rubber suspension can dry out and you may need to add or change the bearing oil.
My Axis was in storage and needed service to return it to optimal performance. 

Check the speed and recheck your weight . Jmho . Of cousre the other post are also possible but both cart ?
Good luck

hollytone22,

I had a Linn Axis years ago and really liked it. I wouldn't give up on the table unless you think it has a mechanical issue with speed or the bearing. If it's working correctly, no reason to replace it. I would look at a possible problem with the cartridge. Maybe the cantilever suspension has hardened and lost its compliance.

Cartridge can age. The rubber mounting for the cantilever can harden and affect compliance. Get a new cartridge and all will be as it was!

TT is mounted on a Target stand tracking is correct I thought about the tubes but the CD player is working fine maybe the phono tube? I tried two cartridges one did sound a little better then the other. I am an analog 
person and never could I ever say that the digital sounded better in my system. Thanks for the reply I am thinking about a new table anyway.

TT mounted on good solid surface, tracking weight correct? Tubes okay?Correct tubes in sockets? Cartridge worn?