If all adjustable parameters are good,your own ears do the final sign off.
Every listener at a show/demo room will not agree a SOTA rig sounds amazing.
It looks like your perception is tainted however. Time for another cartridge upgrade.
Does someone’s opinion affect your opinion?
So I have a very nice turntable with a new MC cartridge which I liked and enjoyed…that is until someone said that the cartridge was very “piercing” and in his opinion almost unlistenable. Now I find I am not enjoying it as much. Two things to add, he is not anymore “golden ear” than me, and the brands are well known with good reviews.
But now, I don’t enjoy it as much. I know I shouldn’t let it bother me, but it does and it has impacted my enjoyment.
So, has this happen to you and what did you do?