New Cartridge Causing Intermittent Popping
Vinyl Experts, I need help in diagnosing a problem.
Before this last weekend, I had three (3) cartridges in my stable: Kiseki Purpleheart, Dynavector 20x2; Benz Micro LPS. None of these carts made any significant popping noise. I gave an AudioTechnica ART9 to a good friend last year. That had no such popping noise issue either.
This weekend I installed a brand new Goldring Ethos MC cartridge. It sounds glorious out of the box and is opening up a bit. Very seductive sounding pickup.
But the Ethos is exhibiting intermittent yet consistent popping when playing all sorts of clean, excellent shape vinyl. The popping is as loud as the source material and disruptive. It comes with no notice, stops and starts up with a single pop every so and so. [I haven't timed it]. I can, however, sometimes get through a side with one or no pops. For the most part it is still there.
I setup the cartridge with my Feickert protractor. Pretty easy setup compared to my other carts.
Some aftermarket Jelco headshell leads were a touch a loose where they affix to the arm. I tried crimping them down but to less than perfect status. I've ordered new ones to see if that is the problem.
I've never had any noise issues with my Manley Chinook phono preamp. The lion's share of my collection sounds just great with it until this issue arose. Most of my records that are in excellent shape do not exhibit snap, crackles, or pops unless you crank the volume during a very quiet passage--and even then they are not easily audible.
Goldring says the following:
Playing weight
1.5 - 2.0 g (1.75 g)
This cartridge sounds wonderful--especially for the price tag. I really want to fix this small but annoying issue.
Advice?
Setup:
Source - Technics SL1200 GAE
Phono Preamp- Manley Chinook
Integrated Amp - Marantz PM KI Ruby
Thank you folks! Solving this is a priority for me. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you @mijostyn ! Your view makes a lot of sense. I'm thinking there's something loose internally--maybe the ground connection the green ground post? I really appreciate your wisdom. I really like this cartridge. It started to open up after just 3-5 hours and it was knocking my socks off. |
Status update. The dealer was super gracious. The shipped out the new cartridge and it arrived quickly. I pulled out the Feickert and got to work. This is a very easy cartridge to setup on a Technics 1200 GAE (most similar to the G)--grand class anniversary. I've made it through the first side of a record without a single popping noise! I highly recommend this cartridge. My direct experience in the last 3 years involved Kiseki Purpleheart, Benz Micro LPS, Audio Technics ART9 (the original), Dynavector 20x2, and the sole MM, a Ortofon 2m Black. Thanks to all for the excellent advice. I'm very grateful for those who encouraged good diagnostics and going back to the dealer. |
Thank you @noromance ! I agree--so often these situations get messy and even ore frustrating. @duckmanst3 , philosophically you are correct! :) |
