Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge: BASS sounds 'muddy' The Reason?

I’m thinking if it was a problem with the Project TT then the muddy bass would be prominent on ALL recordings which is not the case.

The other question I have is whether it’s better to buy a ProJect Debut Carbon DC and significantly upgrade the cartridge ($800 for example) and other tweeks or buy the Technics SL-1210GR (and buy a cheaper cartridge ($200)

Finally, will upgrading the pre amp/amp solve the muddy bass problem.

Again, thanks everyone for your help you’ve been very helpful!

Klimt

You are answering your own question. Get the better table.
BTW, bass varies by record. Just because some sound better than others doesn't mean the fault is not in the table/setup.

That table certainly does have a VTA adjustment. Also, I recently bought an Ortofon Quintet Red MC (cheapest of those 4) for my Linn Basik/Akito table and it sounds great. Highly recommended. I'd been using the excellent but underrated Sumiko Pearl MM for years and THAT sounded great also, but wanted to try a MC cart...after some break-in it just sounds fabulous.

Wow lots of GREAT advice here 👍

noromance - I'm confused.  Which table do you recommend?

wolf - what is a 'VTA adjustment'? Which table are you referring to?

I'm thinking I need a new preamp amp.  Will a good preamp allow for both a MM or an MC cartridge?

TIA