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Which part reduces surface noise most?

Hi all -

I have been lucky enough to hear a few turntable setups that put surface noise/cracks and pops "on another plane", which makes focusing on the music so much easier. These tables have included:

Well-Tempered w/ unk Audio Technica Cart and modified Dyna PAS 3 preamp
Linn LP12 with various Benz Micro cartridges and Audio Research phono stage
Kuzma Stabi with Cardas Heart (Modded Benz Ruby) cart /BAT phono stage

However, I've yet to recreate this phenomenon at my home. Granted, I've never spent the kind of money required to buy the 'tables listed above, but I'm wondering where the next upgrade step is for me.

I currently have a Techncis 1210 with Cardas wiring and the KAB fluid damper with an Ortofon 2m Blue cart playing through a NAD 304 integrated. The sound is pretty good, but the crackles and pops still really bother me.

In your experience, is it a function of the the stylus profile, the phono stage, low-output vs high-output, mc vs mm, or any combination of the aforementioned that will help me in my quest to separate the noise from the music?

Any input will be most appreciated, thanks!
joelv

Showing 3 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
I have the same table with the same mods. I found a Benz Micro Ace cartridge
did what you're seeking, as far as separating the music from the surface noise.
Others who heard the rig made similar comments.

I presently have a Dynavector XX2 MK2 mounted, and while it is a better
cart...e.g. more balanced from top to bottom...I don't think it has the same
magic with surface noise as the Benz Micro Ace.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
TVAD - which version of the ACE were you using?
Joelv (Threads | Answers)

Medium output.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
In addition to the Benz Ace Medium, I owned the AT150MLX. The Benz is
quieter, IMO. The AT150MLX was slightly more three dimensional in its
presentation, but the top end was tizzy compared to the Benz, and the
surface noise was slightly more pronounced with the AT150MLX.

On the positive side, the AT150MLX better tracked the bias test bands of the
HiFi News Test LP (those used to set anti-skate). The AT cart got through
through the third track (which is excellent), whereas the Benz only made it
through the first track.

Still, I preferred the Benz.
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