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Please help diagnose sudden turntable problem

Hi everyone,

I just encountered a very sudden problem with my turntable. I have a fairly new Marantz TT15s1 that was sounding great until yesterday afternoon. I noticed an unusual amount of static, but I chalked that up to the dry air from running the A/C for a couple of days. I used a zero stat gun, and that seemed to help a bit.

Today, however, the problem got significantly worse within the span of a couple of albums. Now, I have significant static and distortion, sometimes completely obscuring the music. It sounds like an amp being overdriven. I have tried two different phono amps and two different preamps, but in every case I get the same sound.

The Marantz has a captive tonearm cable, so I can even swap that out. It's a Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge that looks to be in excellent shape. The stylus is not bent or damaged. All the leads are plugged in securely. I'm at a loss.

Any ideas would be welcomed. Thanks!
Scott
smrex13
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
I agree with Pbaudio and make sure the stylus is clean. If so, how many hours on the stylus? Also, is the noise and static on one channel or both? Your cartridge may be telling you it could be time for a new one or a retip.
hiendmuse
257 posts
 
I've been having a problem for a long time on my VPI Super Scoutmaster. I recently bought a Jake's Turntable mat, which is made out of deer hide. It claimed, among its description, and numerous positive reviews, to reduce or eliminate static, as well as improve sound. It really works in greatly reducing static and sounds and looks great. Beautifully made, costs only $25. Check it out thru Amazon.com!!
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,606 posts
 
Smrex13 - take a look at your tone arm and make sure it isn't out of kilter (look at the pivot point in the rear-make sure youre LEVEL!). what youre stating is what my JMW arm does every once in a while when its not sttting on the pivot perfectly. if any part of the rear of the arm is dragging anywhere, thats what you will hear.
mapman's avatar
mapman
15,679 posts
 
Yes, when a phono suddenly goes bad teh stylus is the most likely culprit. It is the most delicate part of teh chain and can be easily damaged. Also accumulates dirt deposits over time that degregates sound. Could be dirty or damaged. Keep a spare cart around and try that. Then you'll know. Sounds most likely in this case especially if other components in the chain have checked out clean.
fleib
1,124 posts
 
I agree, most likely the stylus. Why don't you buy a spare stylus and upgrade your Virtuoso? This is a win/win solution. Even if something else is the problem (unlikely), you'll improve the cart.

The easy way is to go to Lp Gear or Turntable Needles and order an AT95 shibata replacement stylus, about $130. You'll find it at Lp Gear listed under their own brand name. Remove the old stylus by prying up the edge and pulling straight down. Use a wire cutter and carefully trim off the plastic on the new stylus so it looks like the Clearaudio.

If you have questions or want illustrations, go to Audio Circle - AT95/Clearaudio and beyond thread.
Regards,
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