Your stylus' 'line-contact' geometry should, in general, be pretty quiet. You may want to consider double-checking the installation. Like Goldilocks' bed, it must be just right. I always hear LP noise, including pops, ticks and IGD, increase when I have made an instillation misalignment.
Cartridge and phono stage matching
Hi All,
I've always thought it wise to match up amplification components from the same manufacturer, with the phono stage has the relatively simple role of equalizing the cartridge output. When buying a ZYX Bloom3 mc cartridge, the supplier recommended I go with the high output version as I was not prepared to invest in a 'high-end' matching phono pre-amp. I am pretty happy with the result however keeping records clean enough so that noise levels are not distracting can be a chore! Would a low output mc cartridge coupled with a better phono stage lower the noise floor? I feel like there are so many variables at the front end of vinyl reproduction, it can be a bit of a minefield. Appreciate your thoughts and experience.