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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
tvad
9,467 posts
 
This issue sounds like one of set-up/installation rather than equipment. A Shure
cart into a MAC integrated amp should produce very good sound.
jallen
502 posts
 
The Shure cartridge is a bit dark and will not be a brilliant sound, say like a Sumiko BPS. Try isolating the table a bit better, and raising the VTA a bit, say just above parallel to the record. Be certain the table is level, very level. IMHO, all Shure cartridges track well, but sound dark and a bit smeared together. Jallen
casey33
260 posts
 
Tvad is totally correct.I'm wondering if the cartridge is wired out of phase"lack of 3 Dimensionality despite wideness of the soundstage".I would also ask can you tell what instrument is playing when listening to CD or Radio?This turntable/Cart combo should sound at least that good.The 1200 has a strobe,be sure you are looking at the 60 Hz band for adjusting speed.Have you talked to "The Old Guy at the Record Store"again? As an "Old Guy" (ouch) who has been known to frequent a record store I would want to know if what I did was less than sucessful.His objective is likely to want to share the LP experience with a "Youngster" talk to him.Let him know it's not working yet.
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.
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