Now that I've got these new speakers I'm going through some vinyl and it sounds terrible. I've just started upgrading the lot but fear that I might need to push things on a bit.
My setup so far is Cambrigde CD4/DacMagic2 tied to an Arcam Alpha 7 with the B&W CM7s. The deck is an old, Cream Crackered Sherwood PM 8550 which sounds horrible.
My question is what next ? Is it the Phono input in my Arcam or just a ****ty old deck ? I think I paid about 70 quid for it about 10 years ago. Hardly top of the line !
Is it worth springing for a Phone Stage or just sit tight and save up for a new deck, holding off playing any vinyl. Will I need one with a new deck anyway ?
I really like the look of the Origin Live Aurora but don't have anywhere to test drive one.

Just looking for some pointers really as I've obviously spoilt myself with my new speakers and will have to wait til next month for a deck.

That being said, the problem could lie in any one of these areas:
1. Worn/dirty/poorly aligned cartridge (cartridges should be changed every three years, or more often if used a lot).
2. Tracking weight is way off.
3. Vertical Tracking Adjustment (if available) is way off
4. T/T main bearing is knackered.
5. T/T not isolated from vibration.
6. Wrong selection for MM/MC
7. Knackered phono stage in Arcam Amp.
8. Azimuth is way off.

Most likely you just need a new turntable. A Sherwood being used in your system is like fitting doughnut wheels to a BMW M3. Best not to buy a new cartridge until you have a new record deck.

The 'kin thing was doing my nut in.
I'm going to have to revisit my plans now and work something out.
Love the look of the Origin Live but is it worth that much more than the RPM9 ? Pro-Ject can be ordered through my local HES and they give a 30 day money back, 90 day upgrade credit and they're only a 15 minute walk away. There's a lot to be said for that.
I could order a Debut for $329 this week, and upgrade it in a month when I've got the money for the RPM9. At least I'd be playing my vinyl.

The issue with all of these is still finding somewhere to audition them - even see them !

Will have to look at my Amp docs to see if it's expecting an MC or MM cartridge and go from there I suppose. I'm hoping that choice won't be a hinderence when I upgrade the Amp as I presume by then I'll be into seperate Phono stages.

It's all about the money and the hunger I suppose.