Distortion with Rega Super Elys Cart

Hello all,

I'm pretty new to vinyl, having recently purchased my first turntable about 5 or 6 months ago. It's been quite fun, but unfortunately I haven't been able to solve a significant problem with the sound and I'm turning to you all at Head Fi for help as my last resort.

First off, my gear :

I have a Rega P3 and RB300 (used, but excellent condition), Project Phono Box (new), and a Rega Super Elys cart (used, from same owner as TT but unknown condition)

Now for my problem

I'm experiencing distortion in the mid to high frequencies, most apparent in female vocal harmonies. I can best describe this distortion as what it sounds like when vocals distort because of a speaker (or headphone) driver producing too much bass at the same time. You know, kind of like a "warbling" type sound? Now this isn't the case literally, because my speakers and headphones are not distorting, but this is kind of what it sounds like. Also, its present on all my records, which are all new.


I've been assuming that its my cartridge at fault (correct me if I may be wrong), so I've focused on making sure that the cart is set up properly. I used a gauge to accurately set the tracking force to the manufacturer's specs (and above) but I was unable to get the cart to pass the HFNR test record's anti skate tracks. I get buzzing and distortion in the right channel using the test tracks, but I have to adjust the anti skate force nearly all the way up to eliminate that distortion, and then it begins to distort in the other channel. (the TT is perfectly level btw) The only thing I havent fooled with is the cart alignment, and the reason for that is because its a Rega cart and its got that auto aligning three-bolt scheme.

So far nothing I've done has made a difference with this distortion. Am I wrong that the cartridge is the culprit? Also, its entirely possible that this cart is damaged. I have no idea how it was treated before I got it, and to be honest I was a little rough with it when I first got the table because I wasn't used to handling something that delicate. =\


Any advice?

Thanks

First of all, thanks for the reply!

It's interesting you say that about stylus wear. Although I'm sure that's a possibility, I think it maybe unlikely because the guy I bought it from didn't use this Rega Elys as his main cart. As I understand it, he replaced the Rega with a Grado shortly after he got the turntable (I get the impression that he bought the whole thing new as a Rega set. TT, arm, and cart). And although the original auction is of course down by now, I think I remember it saying that the cart had very few hours on it; like less than 50. And I haven't even put that much on it. Thanks for the advice though. I appreciate it.


Anyone else have any ideas?