Also, static can be an issue especially with some platter mats
Reducing Background Noise On Records
Hello. I'm looking into ways of reducing background noise on LP recordings. Some of my records just have a lot of noise (most likely from how they were recorded). My system consists of a Yamaha DSP-1A integrated amp, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable (acrylic platter equipped) with an Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge. My speakers consist of a pair of Wharfedale Rubiance RB-27's in the front and RB-23's in the rear with a Mirage FRX-S15 powered subwoofer.
I recently integrated a DVD 3BX-DS into my system to improve the impact and dynamic range of my records. Should this be sufficient or are there other devices (such as the KLH Burwen Research DNF 1201A Dynamic Noise Filter) that can better reduce the background noise of my records in question? By the way, I do clean my records with a VPI HW16 record cleaning machine and rinse off the cleaning fluid twice with distilled water. I also use a Zerostat 3 to remove static before playing a record.
What do you think?
I recently integrated a DVD 3BX-DS into my system to improve the impact and dynamic range of my records. Should this be sufficient or are there other devices (such as the KLH Burwen Research DNF 1201A Dynamic Noise Filter) that can better reduce the background noise of my records in question? By the way, I do clean my records with a VPI HW16 record cleaning machine and rinse off the cleaning fluid twice with distilled water. I also use a Zerostat 3 to remove static before playing a record.
What do you think?
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I'll add to what JPerry said. Some pressings are just noisy, even some audiophile pressings can come out noisy, I've returned or exchanged a few. That just comes with the territory. For example I just received a Diana krall record that sounds nice and quiet except for one spot where some foreign debris was pressed into the vinyl, so I will return it. I have a Mazzy Star record purchased New that is noisy all over. About your table and cart, both have good reputations for the price as far as music reproduction goes but may not be the best reducing surface noise. I went from a technics 1700 (using shure, audio Technica, and ortofon carts) to a clearaudio concept (using concept MC and maestro v1 and v2 carts) to a Nottingham 294 (concept MC cart currently). Each step up has moved noise lower and lower. Phono preamps are the same way, some will be noisier than others. |
Your records are not noisy because of how they were recorded, unless there is something very unusual about these specific records. Are you playing only picture disks? Records can be noisy for a few reasons: Excessive wear, playing on a junk record player, or playing when dirty can cause damage making them noisy. Bad cartridge setup can emphasize surface noise, and some phono preamplifiers can also exaggerate noise. Bad recording or vinyl, especially on picture disks. |
The DBX dynamic range expander is exactly what it sounds like. It increases the perception of dynamic range. The 3BX does so with separate dynamic range controls for treble, midrange and bass. Since you have an acrylic platter, you may want to try Herbie's Audio Lab's "grungebuster mat". The "way excellent" is for aluminum platters. Check your cartridge alignment. I can attest, from personal experience, that it does make a HUGE difference in the quality of your sound and the tracking ability of your cartridge. Try calling local audio establishments to see if they have "a guy of gal" who is an expert at set-up. |
Hi, cspiegs, I don’t know anything about using a DBX expander but reading the manual it seems like a sophisticated tone control. You may be able to reduce the volume level of the frequencies associated with "noise" but you’re also reducing the output of music within that same frequency range. Not sure about the DNF 1201A either; it does look interesting but there’s probably a reason why you don’t see this type of gear sold anymore. The only true (optimal) vinyl noise reduction system that I’m aware of is the Sweet Vinyl SugarCube, but it’s a spendy piece of gear. I’m not sure that records inherently have a lot of noise because of how they’re recorded; at least not the records I listen to. You didn’t mention if the noisiest records were purchased used or have had a fair amount of record play; perhaps with a lower quality tonearm and cartridge or before you began cleaning them with an RCM? Groove wear is permanent so once damaged will always sound damaged. Just throwing out possibilities. I found that using a Herbie’s Way Excellent platter mat with my Music Hall turntables (Pro-Ject tonearms) helped to reduce background noise. That and certain cartridges can either highlight or downplay groove noise, especially cartridges with a micro-line stylus, which tend to trace sections of the groove that haven’t been abraded as much. The drawback with a micro-linear stylus is that it may take a bit more finesse in setup to get it tracking right. And it’s not a universal solution for worn, noisy records. The other thing to consider is the phono preamp you’re using. Certain preamps can highlight the frequencies and dynamic contrasts associated with groove noise. While the phono stage in your Yamaha integrated may be fine, that amp appears to be designed more for home theater than vinyl playback. Vinyl was all but forgotten when that amp was popular. If you have a way to compare your phono preamp to another phono preamp you might find a different phono stage helps to reduce background noise. Speculation only. Other than the Herbie’s mat I don’t have a definite solution to reducing groove noise, just a few things to consider. Perhaps someone with direct experience with your DBX expander, 2M blue cartridge, and Yamaha amp will chime in. Regards, Tom |