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
How are you changing the weight? You truly need a scale. Also, a tiny bubble level for $5 will help. Otherwise, you are probably at the limits of the M97. It's nice but definitely not high end or even mid range. Look at some in the 2-3 hundred range???
Good points. I used the Shure Stylus Force Gauge and a bubble level to take care of setup requirements.

I guess I should start looking for a better cartridge....
You can "max-out" that TT by contacting KAB Acoustics. Google them. Kevin is the owner and he knows the Technics better than anyone. The rest of your system, leave alone!