Need better sound from my records, where to start?

Jed,
You probably just need to save up enough to get a new turntable cartridge phono pre amp and record clean machine. Just depends on what your budget is for them, before any worthwhile recommendations can be given on equipment. You could first get the record cleaning machine, this will help with a lot of the surface noise, but of course a better rig will trace better and have less noise too.

You could also build your own machine here is a link

http://www.teresaudio.com/haven/

For record cleaning supplies I would recommend these

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1113030730

Good luck

Ron

Jed, No it sounds like you have a good record cleaner, but do try the record cleaning supplies I recommended when you need some. You are correct; you need a new cartridge now.

I don't know if the Nad pp-1 has mc input? I know the NAD pp-2 does.
When I was in the $300-$500 budget area, Gerry Raskin of the Needle Doctor recommended to me the Audio-Technica oc9. At that time I was using an Ortofon mc20 super, more money that the Audio-Technica oc9.

The now AT-OC9ML/II @ $290.00 should work well on your arm. It’s a super tracker and quiet in the grove (from my experience). I loved this cartridge, when it was first reviewed, the reviewer said do not be put off by this cartridges low purchase price because it is in a difference league.

After this cartridge I used a Benz glider, when they first came out. I was happier with the oc9. To be fair I also bought a pair of Martin-Logon Speakers (at the same time as the cartridge purchase) that were more revealing of faults in my system, so this has something to do with my assessment of the glider.

A good dealer should be able to assist you in getting a good alignment tool.

Ron

good

let us know when you get your cartridge installed and how you like it

To bad the old Nad pp-1 has no mc input.
So I agree wit Viridian go for the Audio-Technica AT440ml I was going to recommend it also, but thought the pp-1 had a mc input. The thing I like about the oc9 is it is much quieter than the Shure v15 in my experience.

You need to get a new cartridge to save your lp's from damage so 88 bucks for the Audio-Technica AT440ml is a good stop gate till you can save up to get a new rig, that would include a new phono that supports low output mc's.

This will be a sizable upgrade in the sound for you.
You will also need a cartridge on this turntable if you plan to sell it when and if you get something different.

Straight out of the box the 440 was great at tracking difficult passages clearly...There was none of the harshness or constrictedness usually associated with an unbroken-in moving coil cartridge. -Absolute Sound Sep/Oct 1994, Vol. 19, #98.

Hi-Fi World Aug 01
Bright, fast sounding and detailed, with fulsome bass.

List Price $219.99
Price: $88.29

http://www.needledoctor.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.363/.f
Cheers
Ron