Maybe Wes can check the setup of your table on Sunday, getting the geometry correct is so important to good sound.
I heard the Rega RP3 blow my mind with the stock Rega cartridge, like kill cd level!! And that was only $900.
Be patient, putting together a vinyl source is not so simple, unless you get a known system that works well and is setup correct, take the time and it will blow you away
trust me...it does not have to cost big bucks, just has to be done correctly . it is very different that just slipping a cd in the drawer, unfortunatley