What do you think causes the crackle and clicks we hear?

I believe Atmasphere draws a link between how audible and annoying they are with phono stage overload characteristics.

When really its a function of moving mass and resonance.

@scar972 

Have at it,

https://forum.audiogon.com/search/index?utf8=✓&query=atmasphere+phono+overload

@onhwy61 , That’s my understanding too. Furthermore, I agree with Ralph that it’s one of the main causes, but I find that the cleanliness of the surface matters too. Perhaps that’s because I play a lot of old, used records. I use 80KHz US to clean, and get better results thereby.

Atmasphere has a powerful record of being right on this forum. He’s also a prominent expert and manufacturer who is generous with his advice and always civil, unlike some hereabouts.

Buy old records in great shape, clean them fully, use a Zerostat gun or other static remover, finish with carbon fiber anti static brush. You will have no more noise.

BS
Nitty Gritty, Last, First, Carbon Fiber brush, ZeroStat gun.
Blah blah honk honk.
Noise.