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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!
128x128joelv
restock
831 posts
 
Doug, excellent points especially about the phono amp ;).

A small question aside: On the topic of fluid, which AIVS do you recommend? The Super Cleaner (with Alcohol) or the Archivist solution without alcohol? I just ordered some AIVS (both types) to try this out for myself and compare to DD and RRL.

Thanks,

Rene
john_tracy
341 posts
 
Improper loading of the cartridge, MM in particular, will result in a high frequency resonance in the responce. Ultra-sonic noise can excite this resonance, causing ringing that will shift the noise lower in freq. to the audible portion of the spectrum.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Besides steam cleaning and a basic record hygeine routine, the single biggest improvement in music over surface noise came when I upgraded phono stages. I was not prepared for the improvement, in fact.

In my case, the upgrade was financially quite modest. I went from the built-in phono stage of a mid-'80s Amber Model 17 pre to a Cambridge 640p outboard phono stage. A whole buncha noise went away with that one change, along with more clarity, frequency extension, dynamics at both ends of the range, speed, and microdynamic subtleties. And all for a measly $169.

I also got incremental improvements in surface noise with an Oracle Groove Isolator mat (I'm sure any number of mats could help here) and using the rubber KAB Record Grip. That seems to knock a couple dB off the surface noise as well.
joelv's avatar
joelv OP
103 posts
 
I really like the Record Doctor stuff, but early on I learned too I rinse and rinse and rinse the record afterward. I suppose we're all too liberal with the cleaning fluid..?

I have to admit that the $169.00 Cambridge phono stage has now piqued my interest. It's such a small price, cheaper than a new cart, hmmmm. Everything I've read about it so far is glowing.

Has anyone compared this to something more expensive? Is it really a giant killer?
jtimothya
612 posts
 
Similar topic in a thread from June... I thought Ralph's answer particularly insightful.

tt surface noise reduce or tolerate

Tim
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