2. analog
  3. 137127-1973

Phono stage can minimize tics and pops on vinyl

Recently @atmasphere  made an interesting statement twice on a thread about CD vs. LPs where he posited that one phono stage can minimize the sound of pops and tics over others.  

I recently upgraded from my 25 year old Aragon 47k phono stage to a Luxman E-250.  After sufficient break-in time, which was considerable, as I pulled out my old, though well kept vinyl, it became very clear that I was experiencing this effect with the Luxman.  The pops and tics were still there, but they were much lower in volume relative to the music and thus made all of my vinyl quieter in the sense of surface noise.

Interestingly, the treble was clear and open.  Well recorded jazz cymbals had that burnished brass sound with a natural airy decay.  You can readily tell the wood tipped sticks from the plastic ones!  Good hall sound and open, expansive soundspace!

So...have any of you ever experienced this kind of change, and if so, what might you attribute it to?

Thanks!
128x128hifiman5
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5 OP
1,826 posts
 
@atmasphere   You said: " Put another way, if you really do have 'a good system', you will hear less ticks and pops- it will minimize them, without other coloration, such as a loss of highs."

The loss of highs issue was a real concern for me when the Luxman E-250 entered the system.  Initially the sound was "muted" and "slow".  Honestly, it took a good 300 hours or so to open up and for the highs to come into their own.  That was a great relief as I then felt I had the whole package.  So your mentioning that the phono stage needs to be of sufficient quality to minimize surface noise but not roll off or accentuate any part of the frequency spectrum is the overall goal.
jimf42's avatar
jimf42
62 posts
 
Even if your vinyl is very well kept, I would buy a simple ultrasonic cleaner outfit and clean it ...you will be surprised how many clicks and pops are eliminated. If that doesn’t do it, then think about electronic solutions.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,640 posts
 
I've not used my Discwasher in 20 years. I don't need it- a simple dust brush is all I use and that is to prevent dust buildup on the stylus. IOW I'm playing LPs free of ticks and pops with no need to clean them.
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