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  3. 151958-112009

Vinyl “Pops & Clicks” eliminators

I’m betting a polarizing topic, but I ask the question as a truly curious audiophile who has just not honestly had the opportunity to do any real research on this category of products....so, am not asking as either a proponent nor opponent of this technology.   So, a few obvious items: (1) it’s best to work with clean, unblemished LP’s (for multiple reasons) and (2) obviously a product designed to “remove” an audible defect is also going to affect the audible spectrum; but in what ways, exactly, both desirable and undesirable do these devices affect the music?

I’m talking specifically about devices like the Sweetvinyl Sugarcube SC-1, but I’ve literally done zero research so far on how many devices like this even exist.   The “Sweetvinyl” box comes to mind only because I see their ad in TAS mag, but I don’t know if there are other companies with similar products.   
Question is....we all have LPs in our collection that we acquired and for whatever reason were not kept “clean” and have scratches resulting in audible pops/clicks.   Are these devices — essentially selective filters — selective enough to do their job on imperfect records without destroying the surrounding harmonics?    Or do we just discard & reacquire any scratched records we own?   Or is this a “better” solution?

I’m gonna guess that literally 10% maximum of the Agon’ers who reply here have ever owned/heard these products used, so maybe let’s all just mention whether our opinion, our response, is based on real-life observations, or just theoretical replies.    Both have value, but for different reasons.

Best,
Jim
jhajeski

Showing 1 response by 8th-note

8th-note
358 posts
 
I've got a Burwen 70000 Transient Noise Eliminator which is an older technology compared to the Sugarcube. These were also sold under the KLH nameplate. It works pretty well to remove modest ticks and I use it for most of the albums I play. Another option is an SAE 5000 click and pop remover. I had one of these years ago but I preferred the Burwen so I sold it. Both the Burwen and SAE units can be bought used for a reasonable price so it's not a big risk to try one.

I also have a Phase Linear 1000 Series Two noise reducer which reduces the surface noise (hiss) in vinyl records. On some of the records from my college days which are pretty trashed the combination of the Burwen and the Phase Linear makes them listenable.

I heard the Sugarcube a couple years ago at AXPONA and I was astounded. I've been steering my resources toward other upgrades but I'm definitely going to get one of these eventually. The new top model also reduces surface noise but I haven't heard that one yet.

I am very sensitive to vinyl clicks, pops, and surface noise. I find the defects distracting and they definitely hurt my enjoyment of the music. I love my vinyl records so if I can find a good way to suppress the noise in them I am going to give it a shot.
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