If it is static electricity, you will feel the hairs on your arm raise when you lift the record off the platter no matter which phone preamp you're using. If this is the case, deal with the static discharge with one of the suggested solutions. Less likely, it's a grounding issue on your tube phono preamp. Either way, get in the habit of using your mute button before cueing your tonearm down or up. That's what it's for and your amp will thank you.
