Odd problem with TT setup...

Dear @geof3 : Before you could think in a new tonearm you must fixed the V because in that condition you can put for sale and yes SME is whom needs to do it and as I told you maybe the internal rewiring if your sample has not the today latest internal SME wire that’s an excellent one.

After that test it for some time and if you don’t like it then think in the Kuzma 4Point.

Btw, sooner or latter if I were you and want it to stay truer to the recording I will change as sooner I can that phono stage that is really a "mess " with your analog rig and Hegel electronics.
The question I could do it to my self as an hipothetical owner is: why in the hell own a SME 30 TT, Atlas cartridge and the Hegel electronics with that " poor " Simsaudio model?

This is the one:

https://simaudio.com/en/product/810lp-phono-preamplifier/

https://simaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/810LP_Manual_EN.pdf


I really don’t care if you just folow with those " bike tires " at the end you are the " Ferrai " owner, that is only an opinion as the opinions of any one else.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.

Dear @geof3 : 12 years on that SME tonearm?, I assume you are the original owner. I don't know if the internal wiring in that tonearm is the same of more contemporary samples and if not then could be a good time for SME rewires it and at the same time can gives a check up to its overall specs, especially the bearings.

Now the V is a tonearm balanced design and the best way to use it is not in balanced way but in static way. Do you already did it ? if not rigth now is time to do it along its silicon damping ( tray. ).

Btw, I know that first than all you need to fix this pop trouble but after that and due to the quality top Atlas performance levels as the Hegel electronics and very good TT/tonearm you should change that good but average/medicre one phono stage that can't honor the true Atlas quality performance that can shows you with a way better phono stage that you can buy from Simaudio due that this Canadian company has very good and high level engeneering.
Your today unit works mainly through op-amps and its overload levels is really low at 2.2db. with a non accurated RIAA eq. for high differences in between both channels.
I know that you like what you are listening ( other than that pop. ) but in reality what you are listening is a " poor " quality against what the Atlas can shows you or to any other audiophile with the rigth phono stage.

With all respect you own a " Ferrari " that is running it with bike tires.

R.

geof3 : I mentioned the cartridge because here in Agon an Atlas owner had aproblem and after more than 200 posts the OP took my advise about and guess what? The Atlas was the problem even with not so high hours and its problem was at random too.

Btw, Why dead silence about your day by day phono stage? or Hegel already has PS ?

Anyway, up to you.

R.

@geof3 : Other not often problem that could happens is that if your Atlas is over 800 play hours could be a premature suspension or stylus tip problem it does not matters the cartridge pedigree.

If you have a " doubt " about the best is to take direct contact with @jcarr Lyra owner.

R.

Dear @geof3 : Hegel is a way top design products that any one can’t doubt on it.

I don’t know if Hegel manufactures Phono Stage too. Anyway could you tell me which your day bay day Phono Stage with your lovely Atlas? Thank’s in advance.

Btw, a internal tonearm wiring problem seems it’s not because whe exist a problem down there one channel is in silence or the channels are inverted or things like that but pop....? ? Could happens but I seriously doubt it.

Even that could be generated electrical static or a non-consisten/intermitent electrical power/source system  " problem ".

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.