Hi, thanks for the reply, no, none of my kit is valve based, but sometimes wished it was. Most of the kit is Linn and is active, the exception is my TT which is Michell Modified Gyro, fitted with an SME 309arm, and currently running a AT33ev MC cartridge, which I like purely for the way it reproduces solo piano parts. They always seem to be more realistic with this cartridge. I did play a Coltrane album (Blue Train) with it and that was just great, really enjoyable LP. I intend to change all my cable over in the next week or so, just to be sure if its this that's causing the sound. I have checked it for direction a few times, but when it was all originally installed it was put in by a Linn Tech, who has now retired to warmer climes.
Thanks again
Regards
Brian