Is my cartridge the problem?


Being a man of modest means, I have a modest system consisting of a NAD 320BEE, a Music Hall mmf5 with the standard Goldring 1012GX cartridge, connected to a NAD PP2 phono stage, and an old Sony CD changer, (a relic from a previous system).
I am increasingly disappointed in the depth of the music reproduced by the analog section as compared to the product from the old Sony CD player!
I would like to try a different cartridge but there are too many choices on the market and I don't want to take a blind chance on some thing so expensive! Any suggestions?
jay_w
Here is a link to fine-tuning your table if you want some excellent tips.http://www.walkeraudio.com/fine_tuning_your_turntable.htm a Denon DL-103 cartridge might be worth looking into.I think the NAD PP-2 has a moving coil capability.
The cartridge is not the problem, it's the arm. Your tonearm is basically an entry level unit; although it may track the Denon 103 and other more expensive cartridges,it will not track them well enough to fully realize their potential.
Save your pennies and upgrade the table/tonearm. Look for a nice used combo. All of course IMO.
Wc65mustang is on to something. Jay w I am afraid your journey as a mid-fi to Hifi guy has began. Your ears have out grown your wallet. Join the club! Jump in, the water is fine! Enjoy
I think I will try optimizing the T/T and see what Newbee’s advice can produce; although, I do understand what you other fellows are saying. Perhaps it will come to opening the wallet again.

It seems one thing always leads to another in this quest. This is a perfect pursuit for my addictive personality while feeding my compulsions. What have I gotten myself into?
What have I gotten myself into?
A neverending search for the elusive Holy Grail.
:-)