Will fine tune adjustments with protractor help with "brightness?"

Agree on alignment methods, nothing to add there. 

Regarding alignment though, in some cases, other alignments affect each other, just something to be aware of. The center of the record is more sensitive due to the smaller radius. But really, one thing to be aware of, is the "fancier" or more intense the stylus shape, the more important it is to have an arm that is adjustable. 

But that's not what I was going to post about. I noticed on a couple other threads you have a static issue. Could it be something to do with that? It is a direct drive turntable, and the motor is right there in the middle. 

I used to use a "Zerostat" gun for the general area, and a Cardas sweep record for the cart/system. Had lots of stuff but those worked the best. Static build up DOES have an effect on treble depending on the system. 

@basement  I have adviced $60 Zerostat to Brent long time ago when he asked me. Cardas sweep record is a great tool, i use it to ultrasonically clean vintage cartridges (or to burn in).    

Milty was a great suggestion and use it regularly. Anti static brushes, ointments, salves, I've got em all. All records clean with Record Doctor, stored in anti sleeves, the whole works. Still get static once played and pulled from TT. I Milty and play the other side or store it. 

@chakster :

Great minds think alike. 

@chakster  I've been wondering if there's a "set up" album for about a week now. I've been curious regarding a few albums with the voice placement and thought how nice it would be if there was a record you could test your system to too. Would this album have this voice placement test?