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Issue with Phono Playback.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a complete newbie to the world of high quality audio equipment. I've started my quite humble collection with a project debut 3, vintage sony receiver, and grado RS2's. Now that I've prostrated myself to the audiophile gods that frequent this forum I'll get to my issue.

First issue is that with the volume at a moderate level without the needle touching the record I can hear a bit of snow through the headphones.

Second, on certain vocals when the singer hits a high note I can hear what sounds like a "plosive". Sort of the sound that the player makes when the needle is lingering in the middle of the record.

Where in my set up could these problems be?

Thanks in advance for your time and consideration. Please be gentle.
gravity
gravity OP
2 posts
 
This is amazing. You all are great! Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to attack it from all of the suggested angles.

Do you think it would be wise to invest in a Grado RA1 amplifier to lessen the white noise?

Thanks again!
tim_j_thomas
43 posts
 
Check www.head-fi.org for information on headphones and headphone amplifiers. There are dozens of choices ranging from $80 to well over $1000. You will often find heapdhone amps for sale by members there who are looking to upgrade.

In the interest of disclosure, I use a HeadRoom Micro headphone amp at work (www.headphone.com) and a Mapletree Audio tube headphone amp at home (www.mapletreeaudio.com).

-Tim
ponnie
233 posts
 
I also suggest you use a small mirror at least 4" x 4" (I use a mirror from a cosmetic compact) to set your bias or antiskate adjustment. (Left to Right movement). Place an old thick record on the platter then the mirror. Make sure the mirror is flat and smooth. Do not use one with a frame or anthing around the edges. It will not register properly. Just Place the stylus in the center of the mirror. Zero the antiskate. If it drifts right turn the antiskate left and vice versa. Continue this until the stylus has stopped drifting in either direction.
Before you begin this use a very good protractor to setup up or cartridge and arm. Make sure your VTA is set up correctly too. I like the Dennison Soundtractor. There are many others on the market that achieve the same thing.
This will help in getting rid of some of the noises you mentioned. It will not remedy groove damage that pre-exist. But your background will be much more quieter and your antiskate will be proper. Enjoy
stiltskin
499 posts
 
Gravity
A couple of years ago my 14 year old niece showed a strong interest in vinyl play back.

I donated 1962 vintage Fisher 400 receiver with head phone jack and built in phono stage.
This old receiver is what I used through out most of the 1970's, 1971 to 1979 to be exact.

Her father picked up a used Rega P3 and had a new Ortofon cartridge mounted, a pair of vintage Dynaco A40 speakers were purchased there after.

Over all the sound is surprisingly good for very little money.

A large used record store is not far away from them and everyone is happy.

Have someone set up your table if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.

I think you probably would be happier with a differant brand of electronics other then the Sony.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Ponnie, I realize that many folks think the method you described for setting AS is a good one. However, many of us have found that it always results in way too much AS.
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