Not Enjoying My Turntable


I purchased a u-turn orbit plus six months back to get into the experience of vinyl and collecting again. So far I have enjoyed the process of album buying and the tactile experience of vinyl. However, I just am not happy with the sound. Generally I have always enjoyed playing music with the treble turned up. Maybe because of some hearing loss I don't know. Also, I have had some problems with the turntable. The needle skips and to me the sound is muffled.

I am sure I could fix some of these problems with a equalizer and some troubleshooting with the turntable but am I just chasing the dragon here? In short am I doing something wrong.
128x128brimel1974
I use a large floor vacuum cleaner.. Take the hose and use a brush attachment I 'save' just for LPs. 
Suck the dust off...  
IF the record still looks like it has stuff in the grooves I WASH IT IN THE SINK. Pat dry and suck the last of the water off wit htthe same vacuum and brush. works.For some LPs I just use a carbon fiber brush from Oracle France, made back in the 80's.. So I do not know if it is carbon fiber? Works good. I run the brush around the LP then clean brush each time with "Long Term packing tape" it is less sticky than regular Scotch Packing Tape. I stick a run of the tape to the TT board. takes about five to ten Lps to need replacing.
My advice is to forget about analogue.  Start with as good as a CD player as you can afford, then get a good-to-great DAC, and subscribe to Tidal Hifi.  Otherwise, you are wasting you money.  
I sure hope the OP realizes Elizabeth is kidding about the vacuum cleaner. Everyone knows you clean records with a pressure washer.
Are some posts fake? I mean were they created just to get people to engage?  So that the forum appears to have value?
I have seen many posts similar to this one.  OP was on Feb 22nd. Many people have taken their time to post a response and even to ask the OP some questions. But no response.
Times have sure changed. Medical clinics have converted to disposable instruments and are getting rid of their autoclaves.  I was able to get one for less than $2 grand!   I can just fit a 12-inch record in it (leaning it on a slant so that both sides are exposed to the effects).  Awesome.