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Reducing Background Noise On Records

Hello.  I'm looking into ways of reducing background noise on LP recordings. Some of my records just have a lot of noise (most likely from how they were recorded). My system consists of a Yamaha DSP-1A integrated amp, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable (acrylic platter equipped) with an Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge. My speakers consist of a pair of Wharfedale Rubiance RB-27's in the front and RB-23's in the rear with a Mirage FRX-S15 powered subwoofer.

I recently integrated a DVD 3BX-DS into my system to improve the impact and dynamic range of my records. Should this be sufficient or are there other devices (such as the KLH Burwen Research DNF 1201A Dynamic Noise Filter) that can better reduce the background noise of my records in question?  By the way, I do clean my records with a VPI HW16 record cleaning machine and rinse off the cleaning fluid twice with distilled water. I also use a Zerostat 3 to remove static before playing a record.

What do you think? 


128x128cspiegs
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
On the off chance nobody mentioned it already what ever happened to playing records wet?
lewm
12,984 posts
 
Ditto to what Ralph (Atmasphere) wrote.  

bondmanp
1,807 posts
 

Once you have tried all the passive adjustments, tweaks, mats, VTA fine tuning, etc., if you still want to reduce noise, you can start with filters and signal processors like you have done, but they will affect the sound in ways you might not want, even as they reduce noise.


If you are referring to the noise like clicks and pops, I can recommend the Sweetvinyl Sugarcube.  I am a beta tester for the SC-2 ($3000 list), and it removes abouit 95% of the clicks and pops without altering the underlying signal in any way that I can hear.  The SC-1 ($2000 list) will do this as well.  However, you should know that removing the clicks and pops makes the record's surface noise (the steady state/rythmic hiss or groove noise) more apparent than without the click and pop filtering.  Overall, I still vastly prefer the results of the click and pop filtering, but I was surprised by how much more detail and surface noise are revealed once the clicks and pops are gone.


Sweetvinyl has hinted that they are working on additional processing that will reduce surface noise, but this is a complicated algorythm, and may be available in the future, but not free of charge, as a downloadable software upgrade.  I think that means it may only be available as an upgrade on the SC-2, since I am not sure the SC-1 has software that can be upgraded via the web.

bondmanp
1,807 posts
 
@geoffkait - playing records wet is dangerous, according to Mike Fremer.  The intense pressure at the stylus/record surface point of contact creates heat.  If wet, the liquid will become steam and vaporize from this heat, potentially damaging the stylus and cantilever, or even the cartridge itself. 
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
I’m pretty sure that’s the funniest post I saw all week. Heartfelt thanks to both you and Mr. Fremer. 😀
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