If you want to smooth out the sound of your AT440MLA, upgrade to the AT150MLX. If you can't, you might try putting some putty or something on the plastic body to dampen it. Also, make sure the cartridge's total capacitance load--including tonearm cable--is between 100 and 200 pF. The AT440MLA and AT150MLX have a reputation for being picky about this, and I can attest to it regarding my AT150MLX.
