Inexplicable muddy sound on phono input

Hi guys,
Thanks. I did indeed hear the turntable, and it sounded fine at the dealer. I didn't actually hear the preamp when that dealer tested it, but he claims that it sounded fine. I don't think it's a gain issue, as the sound is not distorted or overly loud, simply wooly and thick and muddy, as if it's all bass frequencies.

Given the info in your last post, I think we can get this working for you very quickly. You herd the TT working at the dealer confirms the preamp is OK. Assuming you weren’t lied to by the person that checked your Rowland, you have equipment that is verified to be working. At this point it is highly unlikely that your problem is something other than a setup issue. I should have been more clear when I mentioned a gain problem. Gain can be a problem in more than one way and the way it sounds dosen't have to be too loud or broken up if you do have too much gain.

I quickly checked the Rowland web site and downloaded the manual for your preamp. There are several different settings for gain and impedance that can be adjusted by simply moving some jumpers inside the unit. The only tool you will need is an allen key and possibly a small pair of needle nose pliers if you have big fingers. If you post what model TT you have and the brand and model phono of your phono cart, I can even confirm what the settings should be.

Nothings ever 100% but I estimate the chance your problem lies in the settings on the phono preamp and/or cart align/setup to be at least 90%. Should take about 15 min going slowly. If you have to realign the cart., about an hour.

Thanks a lot, I'll check into that, good advice. Probably a cartridge mismatch or something else I can address under the hood.
best,
Seth

Hi Zd542,
By the way, it's a Rega P1, I believe the stock Ortofon cartridge is moving magnet---- but I'm a vinyl newb.
thanks,
Seth

I'm pretty sure I found your problem. The default setting on your phono preamp is for a moving coil cart. That's way too much gain. Follow the instructions on P.24 of your owners manual and remove the phono cards. You actually have 2 small phono cards; 1 for each channel. Take them both out and look at P.25. You should see 4 box shaped diagrams. The first is the default pin setting. You need to change it to the 3rd diagram. That will set it up for the cart that you have. Its all pretty simple so it shouldn't any problems. Also, assume for now that your cart. is aligned properly. If they listened to it in the store and said it was OK, you should be find. Post back and let us know how everything went or is you have any more questions.