I do not believe there will be any absolutes (solutions) provided here - too many possiblities, biases, and experiences from imperfect human beings. However, as you gain considerable time purusing internet sites, you can gleen some useful information (though most is useful primarily for looking into, not absolute fact). FWIW, Clearaudio cartridges are not known for exagerated midbass (lean if anything), though I suppose it might be possible that cartridge/arm resonances might be responsible.
It seems reasonable to expect that more modern TT designs using more exotic materials and designs would be able to surpass the Linn LP12, though some of these look ridiculous (perhaps necessarily so, though). You would think that simpler is better, at least correctly executed, but that is another topic. Though it has not always been the case, my own more recent experience with the LP12 suggests that a bloated mid-upper bass is not unusually present: my own LP12 (Valhalla-Cirkus-Akito II) does not have any more emphasis in this region than my Ayre CX-7 CD player. I am being honest about it too.
On the other hand, I am running a Linn cartridge on a Linn arm, though the cartridge is only a K9. Maybe the cartridge is light in these areas? You see, no absolute answers. Oh, having the turntable (non Trampolin) mounted directly on the top shelf of a heavy MDF based rack did have the sound richer/heavier than I liked. Placing the TT back on a small, light oak platform with adjustable feet (screws), purchased back in the 80's, did even everything back out.
Note I have not suggested in any way that the LP12 is the ultimate TT (I have not directly compared to the best of the others I have heard), though I will say that I do believe it is a very good way to really enjoy listening to LPs.
It seems reasonable to expect that more modern TT designs using more exotic materials and designs would be able to surpass the Linn LP12, though some of these look ridiculous (perhaps necessarily so, though). You would think that simpler is better, at least correctly executed, but that is another topic. Though it has not always been the case, my own more recent experience with the LP12 suggests that a bloated mid-upper bass is not unusually present: my own LP12 (Valhalla-Cirkus-Akito II) does not have any more emphasis in this region than my Ayre CX-7 CD player. I am being honest about it too.
On the other hand, I am running a Linn cartridge on a Linn arm, though the cartridge is only a K9. Maybe the cartridge is light in these areas? You see, no absolute answers. Oh, having the turntable (non Trampolin) mounted directly on the top shelf of a heavy MDF based rack did have the sound richer/heavier than I liked. Placing the TT back on a small, light oak platform with adjustable feet (screws), purchased back in the 80's, did even everything back out.
Note I have not suggested in any way that the LP12 is the ultimate TT (I have not directly compared to the best of the others I have heard), though I will say that I do believe it is a very good way to really enjoy listening to LPs.