What's wrong with classical music on vinyl?

Thanks so far for the responses.

Rushton, to answer your question about if I have audiophile-grade new classical LP's, the answer is no. (However, there are a couple that I'm considering getting.) Maybe that would be a decent test.

And yes, it's certainly possible that my setup isn't 100% perfect. I've adjusted the cartridge tracking angle with the turntablebasics.com mirror tool, and the stylus tracking force has been confirmed with a Shure gauge. The azimuth appears visually to be OK, but I haven't yet figured out how to adjust it (great turntable, terrible manual).

I'll have to investigate the possibility of improving the situation wiht a new cartridge. I also have a local dealer that I can take some records over and listen on his Nottingham stuff to observe the difference. I just have a hard time believing that pristine-looking classical LP's sound so much worse than their pop/rock counterparts, and apparently that isn't universally true.

That definitely gives me more to think about.

Thanks.

Michael

I have to echo Johnnantais here: you're mistracking, and it's probably a matter of overhang (considering you've checked the other alignments). And as Logenn notes, we buy classical usually based on the performance, not the weight of the vinyl... SO you can't really rely on audiophile issues alone for your musical enjoyment!
1) benchmarking with another system is a good idea
2) check out the cartridge overhang

BTW, I had a Project 6 on loan for some time at home (with a Benz Glider). I never had this problem with classical LPs, so it really must be something very simple to correct. I woudn't worry:)
Good luck!

Albertporter...Too bad that comments you disagree with tend to get lost in the great Audiogon computer.

1. Have you ever actually measured the signal to noise ratio of the LP medium? It isn't that hard.

2. What is the separation spec for your phono pickup (at various frequencies)?

3. By what means do you determine that I have never auditioned High End phono equipment?

4. I will give you the benefit of my doubt, and say that there is no surface noise generated in your superb phono playback system.

But some of us, like Sufentanil, live in the real world where surface noise is the major sonic deficiency of LPs. How else would you explain the great lengths to which the industry and audiophiles have, at one time or another, gone to adress this issue.
...RIAA equalization
...sratch filters in preamps
...outboard dynamic noise filters
...click and pop eliminators
...DBX records
...Compression of the audio program
...Audiophile LPs and 45 rpm recordings.
...Improved vinyl formulation
...Record cleaning machines and cleaning substances
...Extremely complex and expensive turntables and arms

I am sure I missed a few. All this effort was not expended for no purpose.

I have said that some people can "listen through" the noise, and of course I try to do this when I listen to my LPs. Perhaps there are other positive factors which make the noise acceptable. But don't say there is no noise (except in your own system).

Eldartford: Please come to my house. I have several frequent flyer tickets. Free trip for you. Bring any measuring equipment you want. Anytime you care to show up is fine with me.

Listen to my digital setup. Then listen to my vinyl setup. Your ears will tell you. Listen for noise, then listen for music.

A friend of mine said it best yesterday, this is like saying you don't like driving a Ferrari because the ride is little rough...who cares...everything else is AMAZING.