No. Most noise is coming from older records which have grove damage based on defect cartridge or too high VTF. Scratches aren't normally that deep that they reach the ground. A lot of distortions are based on dirt in the grooves, most can be removed with cleaning. Don't worry.
Can bad LPs damage good cartridges?
Just getting back into analog after an absence of many years. Got tired of seeing all those albums sitting on the shelves, plus my wife has a collection I've never heard. So I bought a Harman Kardon T-60 in like-new condition and a Forte FP1 phono stage, and now I have a Denon DL-110 cartridge on the way.
Then I started thinking ... should I use a brand new cartridge with worn, old records that were used with cheap needles and undoubtedly were slung onto the carpet, in stacks, at least a couple times?
I plan to ask for a Spin Clean Record Washer Mk II for Father's Day, so at least I'll have something to get some of the gunk out of the grooves.
But what about using the new cartridge with old LPs. Will I be risking damage?
Then I started thinking ... should I use a brand new cartridge with worn, old records that were used with cheap needles and undoubtedly were slung onto the carpet, in stacks, at least a couple times?
I plan to ask for a Spin Clean Record Washer Mk II for Father's Day, so at least I'll have something to get some of the gunk out of the grooves.
But what about using the new cartridge with old LPs. Will I be risking damage?