Can spitty sibilants and “static” in high amplitude passages also be an amplification issue? I upgraded my turntable and think I have the alignment of a nice soundsmith cartridge fairly dialed in using Peter Lederman’s instructions and test record. SQ is way improved and I’m hearing so much more in the music, but sometimes on some records I also what pkatsuleas describes. Of course one improvement often tempts another, and now I’m looking askance at my 30 year old B&K preamp and amp. Trying to talk myself (and wife) into new Brystons.
Possible cause of harsh mids?
Once in a while you get that used album that sounds good except for a static like distortion on some more dynamic vocals, horns, guitar. Just typical for some old albums? Listening to Corea - The Leprechaun. It's a very good sounding album, well balanced with great dynamics. But, that annoying distortion rears its ugly head once in a while.