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Equilizer to reduce surface noise on bad records?

I know that high end shuns away from using equilizers, but I was wondering if anyone has used one to reduce surface noise and pops and clicks on records? I have some record albums that I enjoy but are not in the best shape, I thought that maybe an equilizer would help but do not want to buy one if it is not going to do anything. If it does work, which frequency band would I reduce? I would only use the equilizer on the bad records and switch it out on the good ones. I have a Rega Planer 2 turntable with a Benz ace cartridge.
cal208
acoustat6
357 posts
 
Hello, Try a SAE or Burwen impulse noise reduction unit. They are frequently found on Ebay for less that $200 last time I checked. They both work well but are not miracle workers.
Bob
daverz
487 posts
 
For the $2500 that that ELP box costs, you could probably get some cleaner copies of your worn out favorites, a quieter turntable, a record cleaning machine, and some Bugtussel.

If you have a good soundcard and the time to make your own CDs from your Lps, a copy of ClickRepair is $35 and works beautifully.

There are completely analog devices made for real time declicking. They used to be used by radio stations. I don't know where you can get such devices now.

I have a Benz Ace on order. I guess I'll find out soon how quiet in the groove it is.
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
I am kind of surprised that no one gave the obvious advice that you should get yourself a good vacuum Record Cleaning Machine (RCM).

Given your analog equipment, it is pretty obvious that a Loricraft (the best RCM I know of), is not in your budget (@ $2,500), but a used Nitty Gritty/Record Doctor will do a very good job of cleaning records for around $100 (plus maybe another $50 in fluids and brushes).

Obviously it will not repair damaged records, so your equalizer or other methods suggested by the others would be utilized for those. (Although, wouldn't it just be cheaper to buy new or used NM records so the clicks and pops are not an issue?)

My two cents worth anyway.

PS I will also point out that certain cartridges are better at smoothing out clicks and pops than others. I was amazed when I went from the Benz Micro Glider II to the Koetsu Black, just how much quieter the background noise was.
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groovey's avatar
groovey
125 posts
 
Cal 208

I would take the time and effort to replace the records that you feel are importent to you. Just for fun take a look for some of the titles.here and elsewhere. Bargins can still be found and it will make your collection much more significant to you personally. Just for fun name a few and lets see what the analog crowd can dig up for you. Sometimes its the journey not the destination.

Regards

Groovey Records

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