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Turntables

I am kicking the idea of trying out vinyl. It’s been a long time since I had a turntable and it took a lot of thought whether I can deal with what always seemed like the snap, crackle & pops of an album. Anyway, I’ve decided to take a plunge after all the buzz how awesome it is. Of course before I make any final decisions, I always turn to the Audiogon community for their expert thoughts, opinions and education. I’m also looking for suggestions for a nice affordable table with tone arm and cartridge. Being the fact this is new to me and I may hate it, I’m looking for suggestions on the best affordable set up I can do for a new or used in the price range of $1000/$1500. I’m sure I can get a better bang for the buck going used. I just don’t know anything about these animals. My system is older but I still enjoy it which consist of a Mark Levinson 23.5 amp, Proceed AVP 2+6 used for 2 channel audio, Audio Acoustics model 9 speakers, Ayre DAC for digital with Transparent Audio Ultra mm2 cables. Any input is greatly appreciated!
128x128luvrockin
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
@luvrockin , Your new cartridge is certainly going to new some break-in time, probably about 50 hours before it's at its best. After 10-20 hours it should start to improve. Remember it's got a moving suspension and needs to loosen up. So don't panic just yet. 
That Norah LP was reissued a number of times. Some versions are demo quality, a fine recording. Perhaps you've got a dud? One other thing that may be contributing to clicks/pops is static. If you have forced air heat running most rooms get very dry inducing static. Humidifier and anti-static gun are worth consideration. 
Sorry to say, but I agree with @paulcreed; a phono stage without adjustable gain is a real pity. If you ever want to try a moving coil cartridge, one with easily adjustable loading is far smarter choice too. Cheers,
Spencer
paulcreed
565 posts
 
May  want to put in your cable for digital in your phono pre temporarily just to trouble shoot, that monster cable could be killing signal. You will still need to break everything in but may make you feel better that things can be improved. Is your tracking force set to 1.75 on your counter weight. You could try between 1.50 or 2.0 I believe without damage but may need to research it. I would not give up so soon.

twoch
429 posts
 
  lol,  Ortofon should be a good starting point for you   funny stuff    yes!
   to many comment's 
  good luck   
luvrockin's avatar
luvrockin OP
208 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I’m definitely going to start looking into all of them. I’m also going to try a pair of my Transparent Ultra’s from one of my other systems. The Pre phono stage may be an issue in itself. I noticed as I crank up the volume I have a hum coming from my speakers. The turntable is grounded. As I move the arm towards the center if the album, it gets worse wtf? It does this with the TT running and when it is off. Anytime the phone stage is on, I get a hum. Thoughts?
paulcreed
565 posts
 
See if you have any power cords or interconnects running parallel or even crossing over any of the phono cables, or interconnects  involved in your table including wall wart. Try a cheater plug on phono stage. Some unshielded cables can cause problems. I would also check the ground going to phono pre again just incase. Your phono stage may sound better left on 24/7. 

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