2. analog
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battling the pops and clicks

I recently put together an vinyl rig (Nottingham Horizon w/Dynavector 10x5 and Whest phono stage) I am really liking the sound, and I see what all the talk is about for sure. This setup really gives my Ayre D1xe digital setup a run for the money, and if it weren't for the pops and clicks I think I would certainly prefer the sound overall. This is saying a lot considering the price gap between my digital and analog setup.

I have the VPI 16.5 and disc doctor brushes and cleaning fluids and have spent some time and effort to fully clean my records in an effort to eliminate all noise. I bought quite a few new 180 gram records so I would have a good idea of what sound vinyl has to offer. I also have plenty of dusty old records from years back, which is the real reason I wanted a turntable to begin with. As much as I work at cleaning the records, it seems no amount of work will eliminate the pops and clicks. The more I focus on trying to get rid of them the more it bugs me. It seems to happen just as much with the new records as the old ones.

What I'm wondering is, do I need a better table and cartridge if I expect to listen to records with total silence? Or what am I doing wrong with my current setup? I've followed the cleaning instructions very closely and even taken it a step further by adding additional rinsing cycles with distilled water. I've used stylus cleaner and of course always used the carbon fibre dry brush before playing, and clean sleeves too.

The cleaning has reduced the noise, pops and clicks greatly, but in my opinion, more is still there than I would consider acceptable. Is this something that you just learn to tune out from or is there a way to fix it completely?

thanks, -Ryan
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wrp
42 posts
 
You might want to try an HRS Analog Disk. I noticed a significant decrease in surface noise using the Disk versus the record weight that came with my Amazon Model 1 TT.

Here's a review from Enjoy the Music:

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0804/hrsanalogdisk.htm
pbb
1,135 posts
 
Pops and clicks are an intrinsic part of that type of playback system unless you live in another universe. As you gain experience with those black discs you will realize that they are not all created equal and even if they started out good many many bad things can happen to them along the way. Better start enjoying housework now! And hang on and take good care of the vinyl that is more silent. Good luck.
lindisfarne
507 posts
 
I have been listening to vinyl for 40 years now. The imperfections u describe are real. Your cleaning regimen is anal-nothing more needs to be done. I dare say you're going too far! Records simply sound better than Cds. That's the beginning, and end, of the story. You can either dig it or decide it's not 4 u.
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nsgarch
2,517 posts
 
And don't forget, both old and new records (especially old) which have popitis (not the ones that don't) can benefit from an application of Last Record Preservative. You'll have to play the record a couple of times to get rid of the excess Last (no amount of buffing will get it all out, and remember to clean your stylus) but after that you should notice a significant improvement.

I still think it's static though.
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rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Ryan: +++++ " What I'm wondering is, do I need a better table and cartridge if I expect to listen to records with total silence? " +++++

+++++ " . Is this something that you just learn to tune out from or is there a way to fix it completely? " +++++

The answers to these questions are: NO, you can't expect to listen with total silence and NO there is no way to fix it completely.

Here, there are people that are more sensitive ( like you ) to the LP noises, Eldartford is right about.

These LP " noises " are part og the analog reproduction and you have to learn ( with time ) " to work " with it.

+++++ " . This setup really gives my Ayre D1xe digital setup a run for the money, and if it weren't for the pops and clicks I think I would certainly prefer the sound overall. " +++++

That is all about. Forget the LP " noises " and enjoy the music. Try to do an effort for not " see " those LP noises.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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