2. analog
  3. 1324518500

surface noise and cartridge/ phono pre questions

Ok, here it goes. I'm very green to analog but thanks to Agon, I have so far been lead in the right direction. I'll cut the bull and get to it.
I'm currently using a Music Hall 5.1se, AT140LC cart, Musical Suroundings Nova Phonomena phono pre with a DIY phono interconnect. I'm loading the cart at 50k, gain at 40db, going into a AE-3 pre. I've made many adjustments to VTA (SRA), VTF....etc. currently I'm at approx -2degrees on VTA and 1.46g on VTF. I also tried a Shure V15 IV w/ ed saunders stylus, never could get it to sound right to me.
I'm very happy with the sound now and I think it's really close to the proper set up. I have Alison Krauss "So Long So Wrong" last 2 tracks of side 2 sounding sweet!!! The problem....I seam to be getting surface noise and pops with recordings that I would think should be better.
My main question. I tried using a lower cart loading, (2k) obviously this is to low, sounds super clean, black and quiet. Again, obviously, the highs totally diminish. Any suggestions on a direction I should go to obtain this sort of quietness without losing my high end?
I'm very new to this and learning daily but if I'm chasing my tail with my phono pre, cart, tonearm compatibilty, I'm open for suggestions. The more I read on here, it's sounding like this could be the difference in a really good phono pre. I really like the sound of the AT140 and feel that it is a good match for my humble tonearm and system. I'm curious on what you guys think and suggest.
If this is not enough info, I'll try to give more.
Just a quick note, I just hooked up the AE-3 pre last night and It's really something else for such an inexpensive investment. Great match for my SET45.
1gear

Showing 4 responses by 1gear

1gear OP
9 posts
 
Doug,

Thank you for this help. I had a pretty good idea that a new phono-pre was the next direction I would have to consider. As far as the record cleaning and care, I currently use a Spin Clean manual system and the Spin Clean solution. It for sure helps but I have a pretty good idea that it's not the most thorough. I've been in the market for a record cleaning machine. I've been looking at VPI and Nitty Gritty. I'm hoping to come across a used unit in the $500.00 range.
Any recommendations on a phono pre that won't break the bank and would be a compliment to my system? I'm guessing that my unit will sale for around $600.00ish. I'm thinking I could add another 1k and pick up something used, if I could spend less, that would help as well and put money towards record cleaning.Also, any thoughts on used cleaning machines? I'm thinking that the Spin Clean could still be used as a pre wash for the heavy stuff on used LP's then finish off with whatever machine I end up with.
Again, thank you for the detailed and thorough response!!
1gear OP
9 posts
 
I want to thank you for all of the suggestions. The general consensus seams to be very clean vinyl is the foundation to start with in the chain.

Swampwalker,
I checked out the ZYX and I'm very interested in it for sure. Thanks for the hot tip!!

I think I've decided to get a cleaning machine, some recommended fluid and see how it goes with the Nova Phonomena. If Santa is good, maybe the ZYX will still be available and I can purchase it after Christmas.

In the mean time, I'm addicted to vinyl and am excited to keep improving my rig with the help that I get from all of you Agon'rs.

Happy Holidays to you all and again, thank you for all the help from everyone.

BTW Rotarius, you have helped my system more than you know!!!! Thanks again.
1gear OP
9 posts
 
Definitely not a hankering for spending 1.5-2k on a new phono stage at the moment. Now, with that said, my personality draws me in to needing to know. This goes for every hobby I'm involved in. Also, I really like knowing that I'm starting with good equipment and eliminating week links. When I decided on my current phono stage, I was really new to this game and knew I had to start somewhere. I went through a Bellari VP130 and a PS Audio GCPH. To my ears at the time and with my budget, I felt that the Nova Phonomena was the clear cut winner of the group. It was enough to get the addiction. Now that the addiction is there,the next step is making my rig sound as good to me as my ears and equipment allow. Based on the feedback I'm getting, before I go further on equipment I'm feeling the need to eliminate a very important week link and invest in a good cleaning system. It's time to search the forums and gather info. You have all given me some direction thus far but I'll always take more advice. As of right now, I'm looking for a used VPI 16.5 or possibly a Nitty Gritty record master2. As I said before, I have a spin clean that I could use first then vacuum and possibly try steam cleaning as well for a pre clean. Once I get this dialed in, maybe my Nova Phono will give me some more mileage. I do like the batteries and adjust-ability with this unit. The gain control was great with my PVC and the transparency was good with my sensitive speakers. As most of you can relate, the more I'm drawn to the vinyl, the less tolerable I've become of the pop's, click's and tick's.
1gear OP
9 posts
 
I'm glad to here from Kevvwill and Nanbil that it's not going away completely on all vinyl. That really helps in knowing not to chase something that can't be reached. I know someone may chime in and say different and disagree with that. I've always second guessed it when some people say that their vinyl is as quiet as digital. I have realistic expectations. Bottom line is even when I listen to an album that sounds like a popcorn machine, if I like the music, I still listen to it and enjoy every minute of it!!!

Cerrot....That is a generous offer and I appreciate that. Unfortunately, I'm in California. Getting to demo different things in your own system is always a huge plus!!!
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