Pro-Ject Debut III issue - too much bass

[ojdeans]

Hi, I have a Pro-Ject Debut III (with Ortofon OMB 5e stylus)

I've set up the tracking force to the recommended 1.75g, but I seem to always have problems with the bass levels being too high, leading to a muffled and slightly distorted sound. The player is running through a Phono Box before the amp. The speakers and amp seem to be fine, I've tried the player on different set-ups and had the same problem. The stylus seems to be fine as well.

Any thoughts or advice would be wicked, cheers!

[Paraneer]

Since you mentioned this happens in other set ups you have tried the table with, it can't be the placement of your speakers then. Although that was my first thought.

So the only other thing I can think is to try a Pro-ject Speed Box II with your Debut if you don't already have one. I added one to my Pro-ject RM 5.1 SE and it did tighten up the bass - its now very fast and punchy.

[Tedrick]

Have you tried changing the vertical tracking angle? With some cartridges, even small changes in VTA can affect the tonal balance.

[duficity]

another vote for checking vta. Raise the tonearm pivot at the rear of the arm to at least bring it level with the record surface. If it is too low, it can lead to muffled, tubby bass.

[kalypso]

Is the phono-box connected to any high-level or to the phono-input of the amp?

I've got the same setup except the cartridge and i have got no problems.

regards, kalypso

[kalypso]

Another idea: if the phone-box is connected correctly to a high-level-input, make sure that the MM/MC switch is set correctly to MM. (released, not pushed position)

regards, kalypso

[jackfish]

The Pro-Ject Debut III does not have an adjustable vertical tracking angle tonearm. While adjustment can be made with shims between the cartridge and headshell or with a thicker platter mat, I think only one direction of adjustment is possible with these measures. If you need to go the other way you're out of luck.