2. analog
  3. 1109812545

Need better sound from my records, where to start?

I'm disappointed with the sound quality I'm getting from my current analog setup, and would appreciate some input on where to start making it better. I currently have a Music Hall MMF-2 turntable with an ortofon om 3e cartridge. I have an NAD PP-1 phono pre-amp feeding into my main system. My listening is almost exclusively with headphones through a tube headphone amp. The majority of my albums are bought used, in moderate to good condition. The problems I'm having are with excessive surface noise, and a slight breaking up of high frequencies.

My feeling is that I should go to a better cartridge first, along with the proper set-up tools, and an allsop oribitrac cleaner. Does that make the most sense? I was thinking of either the Shure V15VxMR or a Dynavector 10x5, with the intention that a cartridge in this range could last me through a turntable upgrade, maybe in the next year. Thoughts? Should I go after something other than the cartridge? Spend less on a cartridge? Thanks!
jed
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Unless you plan to collect older records that are not on CD or have an existing collection, you'll be better off with a great digital setup. Why? Because you will not split your budget on two formats. Most of my collection is in vinyl (900 vs 300), so keeping a good TT is of primordial importance. In went with a modified quartz locked direct drive deck, which delivers proper speed/rotational stability, something most belt drives have real issues with. I had to go through certain mods and noise control measures in order to get my digital sounding right--and I did. Now my dgital and analog rigs sound close to each other.

I do own an Ortofon X5, it is an outstanding
and classic cartridge and can be had for ~$150 in Hong Kong...

***
jed OP
10 posts
 
Ok. Thanks for all the help. I've ordered the AT 440ml. I was going to order the Shure, but quieter tracking would make a world of difference to me. I played with cartridge alignment more last night, and got things quite a bit better, including reducing surface noise and high frequency breakup. However my alignment tools were a limiting factor, so I ordered a stylus pressure gauge, and the alignment protractor from turntablebasics.com, as well as a test record and some additional cleaning supplies. I'm hoping that this setup will improve things tremendously, and teach me a lot about setup so that I'm more prepared when I make the big jump to a better table and cartridge. Better to learn on the cheap stuff! Thanks again for everyone's help.
jed OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for the input Psychicanimal. I have a couple hundred albums already, and like to buy albums for a couple of dollars that I'd rather not spend 15 on for cd. At this point, I don't need top of the line for vinyl, because most of my records are in mediocre condition, I just want it to be musical and enjoyable. I might find that this setup is good enough for me for many years, and will have less than $500 into my vinyl setup, including tools and cleaning supplies.
Post removed 
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Given your situation, here's what I would prescribe for maximum enjoyment with minimum expense:

1) Cryoe'd outlet for the system (cheap from Ven Haus Audio).

2) Used 3 ampere ONEAC isolation transformer/filter from eBay ($15-30) for the NAD ( everything inside cleaned w/ contact cleaner ).

3) DIY isolation base like this one: http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/sandblaster_e.html

4) Highwire Wirewrap for the NAD's power cord ($25).

5) Isolation cones under the NAD (small DH Cones come to mind).

If you do these steps in order you'll be able to hear better and better the improvements as they get subtler. I am working on the noise first so that you can experience what lowering the noise floor does. Then you move on to reducing vibration and you'll be able to hear *that*. Then again work on the electricity and on to vibration again. See the pattern?

The low output MC path is very expensive to implement correctly. I have stayed with moving magnets and high output moving coils. My moving magnet is a modified Stanton integrated headshell cartridge which happens to have the midrange of a $1500 moving coil! It can be done on a budget.

With psychic power and primal intensity,
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