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Surface Noise - another question

On a scale of 1 to 10, my surface noise is about a '1' (1 is low, 10 is high). I have a TNT Jr. w/super platter and upgraded flywheel motor (VPI belts), JMW 10.0 arm, a Benz Glider (High output-not the new 'S' - about 8 years old but probably only 200 hrs on it), Cardas Phono cables, and an innersound phono stage (not set to high gain, 47k ohms, 100 micro farad capacatance setting). I use the Living Voice Carbon record mat and BDR record clamp. I am referring to basically new records, cleaned w/VPI 16.5 with Walker Audio 3 step (or Needle Dr fluid), and Milty Zero Stat. Stylus is always cleaned with either magic eraser or Needle Dr. or the Zero Dust and cartridge is recently degaussed. Rig is as perfectly leveled as possible, on a Billy Bags Pro Stand. VTF set to high side of mfg recommendation - 2.2 grams; speed dead on (VPI SDS, KAB Strobe), VTA is dialed in as all is in focus and azimuth must be pretty close to dead on as my soundstage is spot on. Here is my question - how can I get the surface noise down? (I have heard rigs with NO surface noise). Assuming records are in as perfect condition as you can get, do you think it is the cartridge that is giving me the little surface noise; phono stage? Other? (New TT?)

Appeciate the input of the vinyl gurus - I'm sure you have the answer.
128x128cerrot
mapman's avatar
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mapman
15,679 posts
 
Only some records in near perfect condition deliver virtually no surface noise.

For most records in the real world, surface noise is part of the game. If you do not hear it on a particular rig, then either it (along with part of the actual recorded signal) is being filtered or the record is a particularly good one in particularly good condition.

Surface noise can be tricky to distinguish from other kinds of background noise that can result from the system itself. Surface noise is typically more variable from record to record and also at different locations on a particular record where as other types of system induced background noise will be heard more consistently regardless of what is playing.
schipo
1,267 posts
 
turn to digital...its the medium get used to it. Or you could buy an lp laser tt and an Laser Turntable Declicker removes pops clicks from vinyl. Thats what they claim..so good luck on your quest
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cerrot OP
1,606 posts
 
I have a great digital rig. Vinyl is just...alive.
bill_k
671 posts
 
If the noise is from the phono stage then it would be audible with the volume up even when the stylus is not on an LP, so that should be easy to determine. If it's actually coming from the stylus/LP interface, then I've found that the use of Stylast before playing an LP can significantly reduce surface noise. It's a lubricant that also claims to increase stylus life (but I'd rather not get into a debate about that!) I also agree that a certain amount of noise is inherent to the process of LP playback, but stylus profile, alignment accuracy, and obviously the condition of the vinyl will all affect the level of noise experienced.
tubeo
72 posts
 
It may be the Benz Cartridge . Even though it has low hours of use , the Suspension could be dried out . This could [ would ] cause the Surface Noise to be more pronounced .

The cartridge seems to be the WEAK LINK in your system anyway . An up-grade is in order , possibly to a Low Out-Put Moving Coil .
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