New2Analog - Table Setup Help?

Before you go out and buy something, are you fairly sure of the setup? For instance, were you able to verify the vertical tracking force with a scale of some kind? The sound you hear could be caused by having way to much tracking force. For that matter, are you sure that the cartridge is good? Did you buy this turntable new, or used?

Don't spend money to fix a problem until you're sure you've correctly identified the problem.

Cheers.

does the arm feature a vertical tracking angle adjustment?
If VTA is incorrct (the back of the arm set too low) then the lows may be accentuated sacrificing HF performance. Start with the arm set parallel to the record, then try raising the back of the arm a few degrees at a time & listen again. Also try lowering as well. You want a VTA of about 22 degrees; you can tune this by ear. Some more expensive arms allow adjustment even while playing. The economy models not so, or may not even be adjustable atb all, in which case you might need to shim the cartrige. Lots of forum posts in the analog section in this regard, just run a search on VTA.
As Tfk advises, check the basics first.

I bought the table used, and the previous owner had barely used it, but I was under the impression that he had tuned/set-up the table. I have done nothing to change this setup, as I thought I would get suggestions here. As mentioned earlier, I am looking for setup improvements so I can get the system to a point where I like it, and then will spend money to improve it.

I will work on the VTA. Thanks for the tips guys!

I also will play with the preamp switch under the table to ensure it is in the right place.

Jeff

Also being new to the analog thing, i learned quick that even with a deck set up "right" out of the box, still needs to be fine tuned. make sure the cartridge is aligned properly, the tracking force is correct, and vta...my current deck doesn't allow me to adjust it, so i can't help ya there. so the only way i know to get around that is to use different mats of varied thickness and find what sounds right to you.

I presume your CD or fm is playing as you like it??