2. analog
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Which part reduces surface noise most?

Hi all -

I have been lucky enough to hear a few turntable setups that put surface noise/cracks and pops "on another plane", which makes focusing on the music so much easier. These tables have included:

Well-Tempered w/ unk Audio Technica Cart and modified Dyna PAS 3 preamp
Linn LP12 with various Benz Micro cartridges and Audio Research phono stage
Kuzma Stabi with Cardas Heart (Modded Benz Ruby) cart /BAT phono stage

However, I've yet to recreate this phenomenon at my home. Granted, I've never spent the kind of money required to buy the 'tables listed above, but I'm wondering where the next upgrade step is for me.

I currently have a Techncis 1210 with Cardas wiring and the KAB fluid damper with an Ortofon 2m Blue cart playing through a NAD 304 integrated. The sound is pretty good, but the crackles and pops still really bother me.

In your experience, is it a function of the the stylus profile, the phono stage, low-output vs high-output, mc vs mm, or any combination of the aforementioned that will help me in my quest to separate the noise from the music?

Any input will be most appreciated, thanks!
joelv
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joelv's avatar
joelv OP
103 posts
 
The consensus seems to be that the solution cartridge-related, and as I'm not totally happy with my current cart, I will experiment.

I'm curious about:
1) Audio Technica AT150MLX
2) LP Gear modified AT95SA
3) Shure M97E
4) Benz Micro ACE (any output versions better than others?)
5) Grado Prestige Gold
6) Used higher-end Benzes

I am very open to suggestion on this end. I wonder if I should just suck it up and save for something over $500.00?

Thanks for all of your help!
rauliruegas
13,123 posts
 
Dear Joelv: +++++ " In your experience, is it a function of the the stylus profile, the phono stage, low-output vs high-output, mc vs mm, or any combination of the aforementioned that will help me in my quest to separate the noise from the music? " +++++

you already receive very good advise about but let me explain a little different approach:

the right whole set up on an audio system ( and better hardware ) with analog source makes a paramount difference on the quality sound reproduction and as better is your music sound reproduction performance as lower are the noise from the music, not because the noise disappear no the noise is still there but with the better music sound performance on your system you enjoy so higher the music that you forgot/don't care any more about that evry day noise.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
headsnappin's avatar
headsnappin
295 posts
 
I would also do a direct comparison of your records played on the other decks you mentioned, it may give you some more specifics to work from.
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