amazing transformation...how?


A couple of years ago I purchased a used but in excellent condition, VPI Scout turntable. The previous owner included a Dynavector 20x2 high output cartridge which I was very excited about.

I got it all set up, grounded, stabilized and isolated etc and couldn't wait to put on some vinyl, sit back and enjoy! I don't remember what album I put on but the result was, I HATED the sound. It was excruciating! I tried tweaks, cleaning, changing music...it didn't matter I HATED the sound! Way too bright, harsh, grating on my ears. I gave up! and have spent the last year and a half only listening to CD's.

About a week ago, I for some reason decided to give the TT and cartridge another try. I put on a record, fired it up and something amazing happened! it sounded incredible! Smooth, detailed, open, balanced...NONE of the characteristics that I heard and hated months ago!

My question is, WHAT happened??? HOW?

Nothing else changed in my system. I have tried multiple albums, various types of music. They all now sound amazing. I can't wait to spend time relistening to my vinyl collection and adding more! I had pretty much given up on vinyl but that has all changed! ....Welcoming thoughts.

cubsipod

Once in a while a Static is present in my listening environment, that really does not lend itself to creating a pleasant experience when replaying Vinyl. 

I have successfully treated it for a short duration, maybe Two Albums, but it speedily shows once more. 

I use CD and return to Vinyl at a later date. 

The Styli lasts a little longer and the CD sings so a Win Win. 

Is there a possibility Static could be the cause of your own dissatisfaction?, creating the situation where CD as a Source was much more attractive in use. 

 

Thanks for your thoughts

It's possible that static could have been a factor. But if it was, I did nothing to change/treat static. And I could imagine static negatively affecting sound quality in certain ways but I can't see how the absence would result in such a positive transformation. 

The musical experience went from unbearable to enthralling.

@cubsipod it seems all things being equal/same that you hated the sound before but loved it afterwards - hard to define with limited objective info leading to your subjective experience.  Enjoy your system