Probably not. If memory serves, the Goldring has a fine-line stylus which digs deep into the grove (below most damage) which can result in quieter backgrounds than the Blue Point, which though very good, uses an ordinary eliptical stylus profile that rides higher up in the groove and therefore can pick up more imperfections. So on worn (or especially, dirty) records, you may hear more random ticks and pops. Between you and I, the cartridge swap was more of a sideways move than an upgrade.
Improper alignment shouldn't increase surface noise that dramatically, but you can check it with the supplied protractor. You might also check to make sure the four cartridge wires are connected to the proper terminals on the back of the cartridge -- they're color codes, so this is a one second visual check.
Aside from that, the only thing I can imagine is that *maybe* they damaged the internal arm wiring or it was already damaged and they exacerbated it. That's a big maybe, though.
Try cleaning your records with Disc Doctor fluid or a good vacuum record cleaner like Nitty Gritty. Or try playing a brand new record and see if the noises are still there.
Improper alignment shouldn't increase surface noise that dramatically, but you can check it with the supplied protractor. You might also check to make sure the four cartridge wires are connected to the proper terminals on the back of the cartridge -- they're color codes, so this is a one second visual check.
Aside from that, the only thing I can imagine is that *maybe* they damaged the internal arm wiring or it was already damaged and they exacerbated it. That's a big maybe, though.
Try cleaning your records with Disc Doctor fluid or a good vacuum record cleaner like Nitty Gritty. Or try playing a brand new record and see if the noises are still there.