Help my analog sound as good as my streaming


Hi all - total newcomer here, really enjoying the forum and looking for some advice.

Relevant details: Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO w/ stock Sumiko Rainer cartridge, into a Hegel H95 via a Parasound Zphono XRM. It sounds great-ish, but doesn’t blow me away like Qobuz via Bluesound Node 2i into the Hegel DAC. I’ll acknowledge that this entire system has a lot of room to improve in the eyes of many here - while I suppose I’ll eventually want to upgrade, I am absolutely thrilled with the streaming sound for now. 
Question: is the cartridge the weak link here, or am I expecting too much out of the PDC EVO? If the former, does the Ortofon Bronze seem a good option?

Many thanks for any suggestions/thoughts!
coys21
Yeah, vinyl is a flawed thing, but so great too. I agree about new pressings and remastered. Most just aren’t good, but some are. I’ve purchased many “new” albums, only to later seek out the original copies. I would think I would learn. Digital can be good, but a good vinyl setup can be amazing. I don’t know about the tweaks mentioned, but you do have a relatively entry level setup that could use a little spice. If you like the Sumiko, try a Blue Point #2. It’s a high output MC cart that I think would pair well with your rig. Make sure your setup is correct and go from there. Vinyl playback can get expensive REALLY quick, and some here will say you have to spend massive $ or it’s a waste of time. It is a journey, so have fun with it, and enjoy the digital for the sheer variety and convenience.
You are not going to be blown away with only a cartridge change, but rather going the right direction. There is nothing wrong with streaming and your system now is better at that. Analogue today requires a bigger investment than your current one whatever the upgrade cartridge.

G



I don't place a great deal of stock in reviews, but coincidentally read this review of your analog front end today.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/pro-ject-debut-carbon-evo-turntable

One of your issues might be your source material. I don't know what records you have, but you might want to consider, as others have suggested, some original recording. I also agree the Dire Straights represses sound good.
Try to avoid reissues made from digital sources! Seek out old original pressings! There is magic in those worn grooves! 
A new Technics DD plus a lomc cartridge like a Hana SL would get you a good ways there! The cartridge is so important to getting detail out of those rotating spiral grooved disks! That is why some cartridges cost thousands!