surface noise is caused by the following phenomena
1) incorrect VTA, so that the sylus makes incorrect angled contact with the groove
2) signal induction into a MM cartridge from a ferrous platter
3) stylus wear forming flat wear spots that interfere with tracking of recorded vibration in the audible range
4) incorrect stylus pressure (usually too low)
5) aging of rubber like materials in some types of stylus suspensions
In addition, incorrect antiskating can cause a channel imbalance of surface noise
The signal to noise ratio of a properly setup, functioning catridge is determined by
a) the catridge manufacturer design
b) the ability of the TT to prevent micro transient vibrations from interfering with accurate stylus vibration tracing; micro vibrations cause an averaging/reduction in dynamic range between softest and loudest passages on vinyl playback.
1) incorrect VTA, so that the sylus makes incorrect angled contact with the groove
2) signal induction into a MM cartridge from a ferrous platter
3) stylus wear forming flat wear spots that interfere with tracking of recorded vibration in the audible range
4) incorrect stylus pressure (usually too low)
5) aging of rubber like materials in some types of stylus suspensions
In addition, incorrect antiskating can cause a channel imbalance of surface noise
The signal to noise ratio of a properly setup, functioning catridge is determined by
a) the catridge manufacturer design
b) the ability of the TT to prevent micro transient vibrations from interfering with accurate stylus vibration tracing; micro vibrations cause an averaging/reduction in dynamic range between softest and loudest passages on vinyl playback.