Brand New Vinyl Static and Pops

You wanted 2 cents? Here is mine. I ultrasonic clean new (manufacturing particles ARE in the grooves. I can hear the difference) and used. If you don’t have an ultrasonic then devise some kind of system of cleaning that leaves a minimum of residue so you can hear what’s in the grooves accurately. Finally, and I know some members will freak, but I clean my stylus after each side of play by lightly dragging a thin strip of magic eraser across it. That dislodges accumulated gunk. I then lightly wipe it with the Onzow zero dust stylus cleaner. I know it sounds like a lot. Some here will dismiss both. I wouldn’t do it if you have shakey hands or god forbid, been drinking or other mischievous behavior. Everybody on here has an opinion. Use your own judgement. This is what I have found consistently works for ME. But I have approximately 900 LPs that I play regularly. I rarely hear clicks and pops using a Microreach stylus on my cartridge. The few LPs that skip were bought used and had legit flaws. Take  care of your LPs and stylus and they will take care of you.