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Sussurro MkII and surface noise?

I know there are a bunch of folks here using the SoundSmith Susurro MkII. I just finished setting mine up on my VPI Avenger and really the first thing I noticed is how much more surface noise it picks up off my records. I mean, by a lot. My previous go to cart has been a Benz Wood SL, one of the later ones with the MR stylus. I found that to be relatively quiet. The SS uses a O.C. Line Contact type stylus - not quite the same as a MR, but if anything I'd have thought it would be contacting areas of the groove not as heavily traveled as with the MR stylus, thinking it might be either the same or quieter. Not the case by a long shot. Anyone else experience higher surface noise with the Sussurro MkII?
tonyptony

Showing 4 responses by lewm

lewm
12,458 posts
 
Ditto for me with my Grace Ruby re-tip, using the OCL stylus.  When it's good, it's very very good.  Etc.
lewm
12,458 posts
 
If you ever do consult Peter Ledermann regarding your issue with the Sussuro please let us know what he says. He was very helpful to me when I had an issue with a Grace Ruby re-tip. And no one knows the sussuro better than he.
lewm
12,458 posts
 
Except setting azimuth with a mirror and any setting of anti-skate are inexact. Anyway VTA is where it’s at for this issue. Also I’d talk to Peter Ledermann. He’ll have the best advice.
lewm
12,458 posts
 
I am no expert on stylus shapes, but so far as I know, micro-ridge types are quite different from line contact types.  Also, could you be leaping to conclusions based on only a few samples?  Those of us afflicted with audiophilia nervosa tend to do that.  I suggest you play a random large sample of LPs before worrying about surface noise, and I also think that maybe adjusting VTA might help, if the phenomenon is real.  I cannot tell you whether to raise or lower the pivot point, but do both to see what happens to surface noise.  Playing with the resistive load may also have an effect. Another low probability explanation might be that the new cartridge needs break-in.
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