Flat speaker sound/preamp the culprit?/external EQ needed?

Well done russ69. Sometimes it’s the least obvious or simplest of errors.

as for speaker placement, if that was the issue, wouldnt i hear it when i play the iphone too?

Not necessarily if it was an acoustic feedback or turntable-based issue.

Hi tomstruck its a tempest.

this is my turntable catridge:
https://uturnaudio.com/products/ortofon-2m-red

Rogue Audio Tempest is a integrated Amp have you tried the phono input without phono pre amp it will run a MM 

"...Rogue Audio Tempest is a integrated Amp have you tried the phono input without phono pre amp it will run a MM..."

Good call, it's always worth trying, you might like one better than the other.  

From what I can see online (Rogue Owner's Manuals) the Tempest & Tempest II do not feature an internal phono circuit, just a line level input labeled as such?

While not familiar with the U-Turn tonearm specifically, cartridges do respond tonally to differences/adjustments of Vertical Tracking Force. On some systems, tracking force can vary dramatically when measured at distances other than actual record level.

Given the Ortofon 2M Red recommends a VTF of 1.8 grams + or - .2 grams, you may try lightening a bit. Treat the counterweight like an old-school single knob electronic tone control where less weight accentuates the highs and conversely, more weight emphasizes bass. Adjust to where it sounds right on your system.