What happened?


I recently added new speakers, (Kharma 3.2's) to my system, and for the last 3 weeks have been in audio heaven. Whatever I played, either LP or CD sounded great. I found myself listening to things that I haven't played in years. This weekend, I sat down for a nice long listen, put in a CD and all was well. I put an LP on and the sound was horrible - thin, and bright. Nothing had changed, and as I said the CD sounded as it always had. So the problem has to be in the phono stage - built in MM in Hovland HP-100 preamp - or the cartridge - Clearuadio Virtuoso wood MM. When a cartridge goes is this what happens? It is only about 9 months old, with no more than 1000 hours on it.
Just when everything had finally come together.
Rest of system:
CAT-JL2 amplifier
Hovland HP-100 preamp
Accuphase DP-75V CD player
Kharma 3.2 ceramique speakers
Basis 2001 w/ Graham 2.2 and Clearaudio Virtuoso wood MM cartridge.
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated
Carl
128x128czapp
I'm experiencing the same thing in Florida, however I attribute it to breaking in a new pair of Thiel CS 2.4's (with about 150 hrs. so far). At times I think they are the best thing I've ever heard & at other times it is so fatiguing it runs me out of the room. I hope more hours will take care of this....associated gear:
Pass X250
Pass X2 pre
Cary 306/200
Golden Cross XLR interconnects
Neutral Ref spkr cables (soon to be Golden Cross)

any ideas?
I think it is the tube problem in the preamp or caused by a dieing cartridge.........
Hello All
Thank you for your responses. The most confusing thing here is the enormous difference between CD and LP playback. CD's sound as they always have - rich and full bodied. I am borrowing a phono stage from a friend so that I can determine if the Hovland is the problem.
If that doesn't work, then I know it is the cartridge. Tim -
I will check the ceramic drivers as soon as I get home.That is a scarey thought. Feffer - the VTA hadn't changed from the position it was in. I did try to play with it, but I could not restore body and weight to the sound I was getting. The drivers have about 100 hours on them.
I know they are far from being broken in, but I do think this is a different problem.
Thanks again for all your suggestions
Carl