Odd problem with TT setup...


I’ve got an SME 30/2 TT with the Gold V tonearm. Recently, I’ve noticed on a few albums with particularly punchy kick drum passages (The Police Zenyatta, Talking Heads Slippery People particularly) that on occasion I hear a distinct “pop” as if overdriven during these notes. But not every time in the song, nor on every song.. The odd thing is, it doesn’t matter what I change... my typical cart is an Atlas, but it has also done it with other carts, namely a Sumiko Blue #2 MM. Capacitance settings don’t change the problem, I’ve tried cable swaps on both ends, different phono stages, gain settings, loads etc. it happens in any channel on my Hegel regardless of volume, it happens if I run straight into my head phone amp with headphones. The ONLY constant here is the tonearm. All of the setup parameters are spot on, I’ve tried a variety of VTA settings, antiskate you name it. Is it possible the internal wiring of the tonearm can have a problem? Overall the sound is excellent, great soundstage, overall presentation etc. with the exception of this one issue. Any ideas?
geof3
Dear @geof3 : Hegel is a way top design products that any one can’t doubt on it.

I don’t know if Hegel manufactures Phono Stage too. Anyway could you tell me which your day bay day Phono Stage with your lovely Atlas? Thank’s in advance.

Btw, a internal tonearm wiring problem seems it’s not because whe exist a problem down there one channel is in silence or the channels are inverted or things like that but pop....? ? Could happens but I seriously doubt it.

Even that could be generated electrical static or a non-consisten/intermitent electrical power/source system  " problem ".

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
@geof3 : Other not often problem that could happens is that if your Atlas is over 800 play hours could be a premature suspension or stylus tip problem it does not matters the cartridge pedigree.

If you have a " doubt " about the best is to take direct contact with @jcarr Lyra owner.

R.
Generally every thing we are discussing would be in play... once again it is not cart specific, it isn’t “random” in the sense it just happens whenever. It is very specific on specific songs, and the same each time. Regardless of cart, phono stage cables etc. it is a VERY weird issue. And no I have not tried a mat. That is a good idea.
geof3 : I mentioned the cartridge because here in Agon an Atlas owner had aproblem and after more than 200 posts the OP took my advise about and guess what? The Atlas was the problem even with not so high hours and its problem was at random too.

Btw, Why dead silence about your day by day phono stage? or Hegel already has PS ?

Anyway, up to you.

R.