Worn and abused LP's reveal noise of a less than perfect turntable set up, whereas new records don't require that precision to play perfectly.
I've purchased LP's for fifty cents at used book stores that are as quiet as new virgin vinyl Classic Records reissues.
Last Tuesday night we spun a forty year old Audio Fidelity LP of Louis Armstrong that exhibited noise on only two tracks. This LP looked like it had been through the war, REALLY mistreated, but cleaned up very nice.
Most important, It cost $1.50 and this music cannot be enjoyed on CD, as it is not available (according to AMG).
Take the advice of Ivanj, dispose of the pads and buy yourself a VPI record cleaning machine. If you really intend to build a library it is a solid investment that will last a lifetime.
As to setup, perhaps there is an Audiogon member who lives in your area that can help. Record players (regardless of price) are mechanical and like any precision device may perform totally different within hundredths or even thousands of an inch of adjustment.
Once the work is done, the investment in time will repay you a thousand times over. It's not difficult, just requires a person who understands how to go about it.
