Need better sound from my records, where to start?

Good general guidance from Ron.

I'd add this serious warning, that breakup you're getting on HF's is a result of a mistracing stylus. If it's on just a handful of records it's probably damage from a previous owner's rig. But if it's on many or most records than it's your rig and you should STOP PLAYING YOUR RECORDS. You're damaging them permanently.

Fixing that problem is job one. Record cleaning, stylus cleaning, higher VTF or a better cartridge are all possible fixes to explore.

Thanks for the responses. I haven't bought many records in a year or so now, but at the time I was buying them I had rigged my own vacuum cleaning system, that helped quite a bit. I have certainly considered the purchase of a record cleaning machine, but was under the impression that a better cartridge than my $30 one was more likely the source of the problem. Well, I was ready to spend $300-$400 on a cartridge, so Ron, you'd recommend spending that on a cleaner first, even with the extremely low budget cartridge I'm using? And from Doug's response, it sounds like I'd better get some better alignment equipment as well.

Jed, No it sounds like you have a good record cleaner, but do try the record cleaning supplies I recommended when you need some. You are correct; you need a new cartridge now.

I don't know if the Nad pp-1 has mc input? I know the NAD pp-2 does.
When I was in the $300-$500 budget area, Gerry Raskin of the Needle Doctor recommended to me the Audio-Technica oc9. At that time I was using an Ortofon mc20 super, more money that the Audio-Technica oc9.

The now AT-OC9ML/II @ $290.00 should work well on your arm. It’s a super tracker and quiet in the grove (from my experience). I loved this cartridge, when it was first reviewed, the reviewer said do not be put off by this cartridges low purchase price because it is in a difference league.

After this cartridge I used a Benz glider, when they first came out. I was happier with the oc9. To be fair I also bought a pair of Martin-Logon Speakers (at the same time as the cartridge purchase) that were more revealing of faults in my system, so this has something to do with my assessment of the glider.

A good dealer should be able to assist you in getting a good alignment tool.

Ron

good

For that rig I would go with a Ortofon X5MC. It's a high output MC. Not the last word in anything but very good at everything and extermely well balanced. Nice cartridge, and if you shop they can usually be had for $150 new.

loon

I'm very interested in the Audio Technica OC9, however the pp-1 does not support MC. While my first preference would be to go with one that would work with my existing NAD phono stage, perhaps the Audio Technica paired with a Pro-ject phono box and some appropriate alignment tools would set me up for a good while. I couldn't find too much info about the Ortofon cartridges. Any further thoughts on those?