Absolute newbie question ??


Ok, I am brand new to the whole analog, vinyl hobby. I am not sure if I ever will be but I wanted to own a record player, so I bought one since I own many records. I have never heard how a record should sound in analog reference system. My system is very good and it plays CDs beautifully. However, records sound like they are missing bass and most of the mids. Is this how they were recorded? Do I need a new needle? new turntable? new preamp?

BTW, what I bought was: Pioneer PL-1100 and Rotel RQ-970. I didn't want to spend a lot of money since I didn't know if I am going to stick with it.

Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance,
MO
moganes
Once you order a new cartridge, I suggest you start studying this link. Once you get your cartridge, you will be ready to mount and setup your first cartridge.

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/messages/819.html

Before you order your new cartridge, have you cleaned the stylus (diamond tip) on your old cartridge? If it looks like it is growing a dust bunny, that could be the cause of it's terrible sound.
1. Grado has a number of good inexpensive cart's

2. A new DVD is out on phono setup... will get the details later...don't have it with me now. Other options include the geodisk, wallytools, etc.
If your table uses a p mount cartridge there probably aren't many adjustments you can make, they are designed to be plug and play and typically the only adjustemnt is the tracking force.