Calling All Analog Gurus! What to do about my vintage Signet TK7LCa?

Walter, if you bought the cartridge on the 24th, we at least know it is an actual TK7 stylus and not a aftermarket stylus. I would set it up with a positive VTA. Butt UP, cartridge down. 

The Signet TK7LCa is one of my favorite MM cartridges, and maybe your stylus is worn, but I do remember several  people including the former MM guru turned digital fan, Raul, saying they did not like it, and used the term "Fumigate" to describe  it. I think if you are used to the sound of most modern MC cartridges, it will sound dull. 

So work with the VTA and if you still don't like it, have it looked at by a cartridge rebuilder and go from there.

One more thing, If you bought the Signet on 24th it has a 30 day return. I would probably return it, if I did not like it.

Acman3, thanks for some useful feedback. I am going to give it another cleaning tomorrow, including the old Magic Eraser approach, and will also fiddle with the VTA. I have the VTF at about 1.5g--does that sound about right to you?

I didn't pay very much for the cartridge, so if I can send it to Soundsmith or the Needle Clinic for a more thorough cleaning or retipping, I would still consider it a good investment. The best way I can think of to describe the sound is "sanded off." I did not expect the level of detail I got with my previous Dynavector, but I cannot believe that the Signet is supposed to be this muffled.

In any case, I appreciate your tips and will give your suggestions a try.

This is the ad I was talking about. You can see some people really like the Signet. Does your stylus look like the one in the ad?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/AUDIO-TECHNICA-SIGNET-TK7LCA-CARTRIDGE-AND-GENUINE-TKN7LCA-STYLUS-IN-CASE-BOX...

Nope. Here is the ad--and pics--of the cartridge I bought. I made an offer and got it for substantially less than the list price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252409337808?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT