Phono stage can minimize tics and pops on vinyl


Recently @atmasphere  made an interesting statement twice on a thread about CD vs. LPs where he posited that one phono stage can minimize the sound of pops and tics over others.  

I recently upgraded from my 25 year old Aragon 47k phono stage to a Luxman E-250.  After sufficient break-in time, which was considerable, as I pulled out my old, though well kept vinyl, it became very clear that I was experiencing this effect with the Luxman.  The pops and tics were still there, but they were much lower in volume relative to the music and thus made all of my vinyl quieter in the sense of surface noise.

Interestingly, the treble was clear and open.  Well recorded jazz cymbals had that burnished brass sound with a natural airy decay.  You can readily tell the wood tipped sticks from the plastic ones!  Good hall sound and open, expansive soundspace!

So...have any of you ever experienced this kind of change, and if so, what might you attribute it to?

Thanks!
128x128hifiman5

Showing 3 responses by noromance

Transient response rise time and decay, and power supply stability contribute to superior recovery from vinyl damage noise.
Dunno but don’t fall into the trap of giving up detail ands inner resolution for a filtered sound with a cheaper phono amp. I’ve been so happy with my phono-pre that I’ve never felt the need to experiment with suppressing vinyl noise. However the cartridge/stylus might be a better way of helping with that trade off. My Decca is unforgiving but I don’t care as the music shines through. I also run an older Ortofon when I need quieter vinyl.
@atmasphere Somewhat ironic that you say cost isn’t a factor while using your amps as examples to support that point. :-)