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Equalizer suggestions? Will an EQ really make a significant audio improvement?

It looks as though the cartridge is properly attached to the tonearm head. So I have ordered a replacement cartridge and am returning this one. Maybe I received a faulty cartridge.
 
So, it is probably the cartridge or phono preamp . I have been listening to different phono preamps lately and they can make a big improvement. I guess we will find out when you get the replacement. Also , a big difference in LP SQ among the different labels .
 
Yes, I have one ,but I believe they have a better one that does both MM and Moving coil cartridges . I like mine but I think you should research the newer one because I heard it was better with MM also.
 
I have their tube microphone preamp in my recording studio, it’s a great piece of kit. I’ve heard good things about their phono preamps, but haven’t actually heard them. Unlike Pyle, they’re not known for bargain basement gear.
 
Good to hear you're trying a different phono pre-amp before changing out the cartridge.

Pyle has hit and miss reviews. It could also just be that you just got a faulty one to begin with.
 
Art Vandalay said:
** Update ** OK, I have replaced the tweeters in both 401's and confirmed they are working fine. The Pyle pre-amp has been on for several days (some have suggested that it needs a "burn-in" period). I played tracks from a few albums of differing genres; rock, country, and classical. They all sound like crap; flat, dull, with no depth whatsoever. To say I am deflated is a massive understatement. I simply wanted to listen to my old records from years ago when they sounded really good. I cannot afford any more additions to this "sound system." I find it discouraging that my nice Onkyo receiver, Bose speakers, and Polk sub cause records to sound as though they are being played through Edison's original Gramophone. Everything else coming through those components sound fantastic.
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While the Bose 401 is not my favorite speaker, it's OK and decent if placed correctly. The Ortofon 2M Red cartridge should not be lacking in treble. They're very forward and bright sounding.

I think capacitance load on that Pyle phono preamplifier isn't Ortofon friendly. Or the 2M Red is not a good match for that particular Kenwood arm. Check and make sure the overhang adjustment is correct. The 2M Red likes 47 K and 150-300 pf for a load. My Ortofon MM cartridges like 47K and 200 pf.

I saw reviews of the Pyle preamp. And it sounds good with Audio-Technica cartridges (which sound often dull on my phono stage). My phono preamp sounds great with Ortofon. Capacitance load is your problem. Get that solved, you should have good sound you can be happy with.
 
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Art Vandalay said:
They all sound like crap; flat, dull, with no depth whatsoever.
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I know what "dull" means, but I have no idea what "flat" means, or "no depth".
Could you possibly record the signal from the phonostage via the tape outputs of the amp and post it somewhere so the responders to this thread can hear it? It's all just a lot of guesswork otherwise.
 
I don't think he even did the reverse RIAA thing that Paintoad was trying to help him with. Many times on this site, a question is asked and the OP either doesn't answer the question or goes in a totally different direction.
 
The OP has stuck around a lot longer than I would have. Half the posters are trying to push him into bankruptcy about replacing speakers when it's a problem with phono only.
 
Well, I replaced the Pyle with the ART DJ preamp and played a few tracks from the Dan's Pretzel Logic. I wish I could say the new preamp made a much better and significant difference in reproduction, but I cannot. Granted, the gain adjustment provided more punch, but the overall sound reproduction remains dull, flat, and without depth.
I will replace the Orotfon Red cartridge with the replacement I received the other day, but I'm not expecting any improvement in sound. I will just put my records back into the closet until I can afford new speakers.
I really appreciate everyone's assistance here.
 
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