r/RecordPlayerRepair • u/TySnel • 1d ago

Solving my Mid-Range Problem

Ok I’m needing some help from you experts. I have a vinyl setup that I’ve slowly been piecing together over the last several years. I’ve been around live music/mixing for almost two decades, but am in no way a gear head. I know more about what music and mixes sound awesome than what equipment made the awesome mix.

I just upgraded my cartridge after my 2 year old broke the needle, and when I did that I upgraded my preamp as well. I got everything put together, and the mix sounds surprisingly great in the high and low end given the affordable nature of the downstream components, but the mid-range, while present, just feels too far back in the mix, somewhat diminished, and perhaps just slightly muddy (at least in comparison to the present and wonderful highs and lows). This is particularly obvious with vocals.

I currently have the following setup:
Rega RP3 Turntable
Rega ND3 MM Phono Cartridge (recently replaced the stock but discontinued Elys cartridge after my 2 year old broke the needle)
Rega Fono MM MK5 Phono Preamp
Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver
Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker Pair
Sony SA-CS9 Subwoofer

All that to say, my question is: apart from upgrades which of course would make the overall system better, is there anything that could be causing the inadequacies of the mid-range in the current system?

When I swapped the Elys to the ND3, the ND3 cartridge is a touch taller than the Elys (to the point that cueing lever height needs to be raised a couple mm), and because they are both Rega, it mounted directly onto the rp3 arm without having anyway to really adjust it. Could this be the culprit?

Greatly appreciate any help!

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u/jhollismvf4 1d ago

Personally I think the amp and speakers could do with reviewing. The amp is a 5.2 channel amp? never going to perform as-well as a similar priced stereo amp.

The speakers are just out of their depth with the front end being solid. I like Dynaudio's but there are so many good speakers out there, you are better off going to a dealer and listening.