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Novice at Analog, need recommendations.

I am a Novice at Analog Record playing. Spent most of the last 15 years listening to CD. Current System consists of a refurbished Thorens TD-160 Turntable with a new Grado Silver Cartridge, Space Tech Lab P-102 Vacuum Tube Phono Stage, Space Tech Lab A-102 Integrated/Headphone Vacuum Tube Amp, driving a pair of Grado RS-1's. Mid-range sounds very weak, and so does low level information. The Cartridge was aligned by reputable, and knowledgable dealer. Can this be the Cartridge is not broken in yet? Could it be the Phono-stage? Any recommendations for improvement and up-grading? A-102 and RS-1 sound great with Digital/Analog front end.
pettyofficer
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,033 posts
 
Don't know your System, but analog has normally no big secrets.
I guess, it is the matching between Cartridge and Phonostage datas (Gain)
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Hmm..Grados have a lot of things going on, but weak midrange is usually not one of them. What are you comparing it to CD replay? If so, what CD player.

My shot-in-the-dark guess is that the VTA is not correct on your setup. Grados sometimes like the back of the arm downward. Is it possible to lower the rear of the arm? If this is not possible, cut out a few cardboard circles the same size as the platter and place them on top of the platter, but under the mat of course you will have to punch, or cut a center hole in them for the spindle to fit through. By raising the cartridge, it is the same as lowering the back of the tonearm. Give it a try and please report if this begins moving things in the correct direction.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
One more thought, make sure that your phono preamp is set to MM caridge gain, and most importantly, that the load is either 47K ohms or 10K ohms.
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