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turntable newbie: need advice for better sound

Recently bought on Amazon the Technics SL 1200MK and a Shure M97XE cartridge to go with it. Got an old guy in a record shop to set it up for me. Got it home and... I'm very ambivalent about the sound. While the soundstage is wide and there is definitely "air" between the different sounds, there is very little detail--sometimes I can't even tell what instrument I'm listening to. There is also a dullness (perhaps "darkness") to the sound and a lack of 3-Dimensionality despite the wideness of the soundstage. what else? Some distortion.

I learned enough to successfully change the tracking force from 1.25 (with the M97XE brush down) to 1.50 (with the brush down) and that actually got rid of a little distortion. Even that, however, makes me a little suspicious since 1.25 is supposed to be optimal.

ANYWAY, I'm looking for better sound. Any thoughts, advice?

The Technics is wired directly to a Mcintosh MA6500 and plays through Sonus Faber floor standing Concertos.
d2_lamay
d2_lamay OP
4 posts
 
I'm a little at a loss. I really don't know anything about VTA.

I'm hoping that the problem is set-up. That would probably be the least costly thing to improve.
docbp
14 posts
 
Send your table to Kevin at KAB. I recommend the fluid damper, Cardas tone arm rewire, and KAB/stanton 890LE cartridge and enjoy. You can consider the separate power supply (PSU) if you have a little extra cash.
docbp
14 posts
 
Read the instruction manual that came with the technics, it describes setting the vertical tracking angle(VTA), you will find many alternate opinions on how to do it, but just starting out, following the manual is your best bet.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
It's also possible there's something amiss with the phono section of your MAC. Have you tried connecting another turntable?

Perhaps taking your MAC to The Old Man and trying it in his system (or someone else's locally) would enable you to rule out the MAC as the cause of the problem.

Methodically eliminate the potential causes before you spend money upgrading a table about which you have yet to learn the basics.
grimace
624 posts
 
Definately check your VTA. I had an M97xe on m last table, and while its not the most detailed cartridge ever, it is very good. The the darkness and lack of detail you're hearning might very well be because you've got the angle tilted too far back. You'll want to raise the back of the arm until the cartridge is essentially level with the record surface. Play around with it until it sounds right. Raise it too much and it'll sounds harsh and bright. the change will definately be audible. Generally the M97s are on the warm side with good timbres. I accidentally had the VTA too far back on mine and it sounded very much like what you describe.
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