Audio Systems: Turntable follow up, stereo seperation, new phono

Question
I got both channels working now in the Pioneer p670 turntable after I soldered a new phono plug,sound is very compressed so what should I do now if anything,should I replace the cartridge since it is a Pmount? can the stylus be worn?. as I said both left and right play there is just little stereo seperation Or should I not spend anymore On this,I of course will check on the return policy with whoever I purchase a cartridge from in case that doesn't solve my problem.

Answer
For $6 I would assume that the cartridge and stylus are not good. I doesn't pay to take a chance and ruin good vinyl with a bad stylus. I recommend that you purchase a new cartridge and stylus or an the very least replace the stylus with one that you know is new. The only way to be sure the stylus is good is to examine the tip and the cantilever with a minimum 200 power microscope.