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.
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.
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.
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- 19 posts total
- 19 posts total