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surface noise and cartridge/ phono pre questions

Ok, here it goes. I'm very green to analog but thanks to Agon, I have so far been lead in the right direction. I'll cut the bull and get to it.
I'm currently using a Music Hall 5.1se, AT140LC cart, Musical Suroundings Nova Phonomena phono pre with a DIY phono interconnect. I'm loading the cart at 50k, gain at 40db, going into a AE-3 pre. I've made many adjustments to VTA (SRA), VTF....etc. currently I'm at approx -2degrees on VTA and 1.46g on VTF. I also tried a Shure V15 IV w/ ed saunders stylus, never could get it to sound right to me.
I'm very happy with the sound now and I think it's really close to the proper set up. I have Alison Krauss "So Long So Wrong" last 2 tracks of side 2 sounding sweet!!! The problem....I seam to be getting surface noise and pops with recordings that I would think should be better.
My main question. I tried using a lower cart loading, (2k) obviously this is to low, sounds super clean, black and quiet. Again, obviously, the highs totally diminish. Any suggestions on a direction I should go to obtain this sort of quietness without losing my high end?
I'm very new to this and learning daily but if I'm chasing my tail with my phono pre, cart, tonearm compatibilty, I'm open for suggestions. The more I read on here, it's sounding like this could be the difference in a really good phono pre. I really like the sound of the AT140 and feel that it is a good match for my humble tonearm and system. I'm curious on what you guys think and suggest.
If this is not enough info, I'll try to give more.
Just a quick note, I just hooked up the AE-3 pre last night and It's really something else for such an inexpensive investment. Great match for my SET45.
1gear
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Any recommendations on a phono pre that won't break the bank and would be a compliment to my system?
Unfortunately I don't have much experience in your price range. While I've heard a few, here and there, my partner and I leapt from our old c-j PV11 preamp with phono ($1800 when new and a nice unit) directly to our Nick Doshi Alaap, which retails for $12K+. The Alaap betters anything we've heard at any price but that doesn't help you much. I'm sure there are many members here who could offer some useful experiences.

Vacuuming is critical. The Spin Clean is better than no drying at all but it's bound to leave some moisture deep in the grooves (where it matters most). When the last of that grungy fluid evaporates not only is the grunge left behind, it can in fact be even more difficult to remove, since it's been broken down into much finer particles. I do like your proposed use of the Spin Clean even after you acquire a RCM. That makes sense.

A VPI 16.5 would be my choice in the ~$500 price range. Equally important is the choice of fluids. As mentioned, an enzyme-based solution (which requires some soaking time to be effective) is best IME for reducing clicks/pops. My personal preference is for the fluids made by AIVS. I prefer them to the MoFi solutions and either one is better than the old Vinyl-Zyme stuff. Haven't tried the Walker fluids, which also have a respected following.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
There is a very nice phono stage that is listed on the 'Gon. You should be able to pick it up for a number that is very close to your stated budget and for that price it is about as high a price/performance ratio as you're likely to find. I owned one and Dougdeacon and I and several others A/B'd it w his Alaap and it came held its own against some very very good stand along phono stages. It cannot quite keep up w an Alaap but its pretty darn close. Minimalist design, very Japanese, so not much techno-wow factor, but at teh listed price I think its a steal. No relation to seller, but he/she can p.m. me to get my address for the commission check ;-)

The only other thing I'll add to Doug's comments is that many of the current crop of vinyl issues/re-issues seem to be quite noisy w poor quality control in terms of clicks and pops and warps, unfortunately.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I agree with Doug's suggestions about the VP1 16.5 and AIVS fluids. Those should get the pops and clicks under control if you devote the necessary time to the cleaning regimen.

I have a Pass Labs Xono phono stage which can be found used for under $1800. It has something like 200 different load settings and is extremely quiet with a separate power supply. It is built to last, sounds excellent and IMO is an excellent value used. I have not heard a better SS phono for the price, though my experience is fairly limited.

I would also suggest trying some kind of vibration isolation platform under the turntable. You could find a used Towhshend Seismic Sink for under $300 and you would be astonished at how effective it is.

After proper cleaning and cartridge alignment, I have discovered that good isolation is critical to getting the most out of an analog front end.

Congratulations and it sounds as though you have the analog bug and are on the right track. Keep enjoying, earning and asking questions.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,463 posts
 
Have you tried the MINT cleaner? I got a sample when I got his alignment jig. I use it and then suck it off with a Nitty Gritty....works well.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I meant to write...enjoying, learning and asking questions.
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