2. analog
  3. 1109812545

Need better sound from my records, where to start?

I'm disappointed with the sound quality I'm getting from my current analog setup, and would appreciate some input on where to start making it better. I currently have a Music Hall MMF-2 turntable with an ortofon om 3e cartridge. I have an NAD PP-1 phono pre-amp feeding into my main system. My listening is almost exclusively with headphones through a tube headphone amp. The majority of my albums are bought used, in moderate to good condition. The problems I'm having are with excessive surface noise, and a slight breaking up of high frequencies.

My feeling is that I should go to a better cartridge first, along with the proper set-up tools, and an allsop oribitrac cleaner. Does that make the most sense? I was thinking of either the Shure V15VxMR or a Dynavector 10x5, with the intention that a cartridge in this range could last me through a turntable upgrade, maybe in the next year. Thoughts? Should I go after something other than the cartridge? Spend less on a cartridge? Thanks!
jed

Showing 1 response by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Good general guidance from Ron.

I'd add this serious warning, that breakup you're getting on HF's is a result of a mistracing stylus. If it's on just a handful of records it's probably damage from a previous owner's rig. But if it's on many or most records than it's your rig and you should STOP PLAYING YOUR RECORDS. You're damaging them permanently.

Fixing that problem is job one. Record cleaning, stylus cleaning, higher VTF or a better cartridge are all possible fixes to explore.
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