Is my Cambridge Audio Alva Duo the weak link?

Hi.
Can I give you my story for context.

Equipment :
Project 1 X-pression with carbon arm and Ortofon 2M black.
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo
CR developments Kalypso PP EL84
FHXL / Mark Audio MAOP10

The whole system apart from the turntable is fairly new to me and I'm still getting used to it.

I'd had a 2M Bronze for about 4 or 5 years and had a feeling the stylus might be worn, hence the 2M Black. Records seemed to play ok, but were lacking a bit of sparkle. The top end definitely sounded rolled off.

Anyway, after fitting the 2M Black, I was still underwhelmed with vinyl replay..

Now, my digital source is also new to me and is a wiim pro.
I've been messing with the EQ etc simply because it's there, and found the sound I like has that "smiley face" shape on the sliders, with more emphasis on the top end. The FHXL's are quite bass heavy.

So.....

Can I do better than the Cambridge Audio phono stage?

Is it a weak link?

As always, any advice appreciated.. Further info available upon request lol..
 
Find some freestanding speakers two or 3 way.
Scientifically, if you fell a lack in the ( very) treble and by using EQ it's OK ( but...does that apply to the Wiim ?!)
then it's the speaker!

An add-on can be a mini tweeter.
The Dayton mini-8 might suit.
Just drill a hole in the very vicinity of woofer ( ehm..) border, ideally...I mean.
I'd make some oval supra baffle.
Tweeter crossover to be decided.
..
Probably also some horn would work...but not piezo!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Borats Baby
@picowallspeaker

I thought about adding a tweeter but then after listening to the speakers via the wiim and Spotify etc, the top end is fine. It's as imagined it would be when I fitted the new stylus..

I did just think perhaps I've not given the new stylus any time to "break in".
I'll give it some playing time and perhaps it will open up a bit..