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help me remove noise from my vinyl setup

hi all,

i have a low-output vinyl setup, and the noise hovers around -60 dB. i would like it to be lower. can you let me know where the problem might lie and suggest solutions?

i have a Technics SL-1200 (M3D) that i got from KAB, with most of the upgrades... fluid damped tonearm, Cardas tonearm wires, strobe light disabled, and the external power supply/conditioner. i have the low-output Grado Sonata1 (statement series) and Cardas headshell wires. i have Grado's prestige interconnect cables between the turntable and a Grado PH-1 phono stage. finally, i have a Blue Jeans MSA-1 cable between the PH-1 and an ASUS Xonar DX sound card in my computer.

here's a recording of the noise:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/1y89l5

there is also a slight popping/crackling noise, can you hear it?

i borrowed a Furman PL-8 Series II power conditioner from a friend, and tried plugging the PH-1 into that. i also tried plugging the turntable power supply into it. ...it didn't help any.

many thanks.
scar

Showing 1 response by swampwalker

swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Not sure I understand. Why are you sending the phono stage output to your sound card and what happens after that? Where is your pre-amp, amp and speakers in this array? If you are playing back thru your computer there are lots of ways noise can be introduced.

Also you should note that the PH-1 output labeling may be counter-intuitive:
However, the instructions must be read carefully, as “H” means that the preamp output is high (56 dB for 0.4 to 1.5 mV LOW output cartridges) – and “L” means a lower preamp output of 40 dB boost for 1.5 to 4.5 mV HIGH output cartridges).
IOW, you use the high setting w a low output cart.
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