Are your record surfaces as silent as CDs?


When I got my new analog setup (please refer to my profile if interested ) I was very surprised that surface noise virtually disappeared from most of my records.  It’s like I was listening to CDs.  I’m wondering if others have had that same experience.with their setup.

128x128rvpiano

Showing 1 response by pcolvin

Technically, vinyl can only give you about 60db S/N exclusive of the pre-amp (although different vinyls these days provide somewhat better that that), and CDs at least 95db+, so CDs will always be quieter.  A properly designed phono pre will, itself, be quieter then the record, so you shouldn't  have any additive noise.

However, with a lot of the newer turntables these days having internal ADC/DAC systems to get you that USB connection that can't be switched out of the way to get your a direct out RCA feed, then your S/N is going to be based on the turntable's electronics, not the vinyl.