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What's wrong with classical music on vinyl?

As I go through my collection of classical music on vinyl, and get new ones from record stores and eBay, I notice that I am not impressed with the sound quality. Most of my pop music albums sound fine. The classical (even sealed), on the other hand, sounds full of static, noise, and pops that completely drown out the music. The rubber surrounds on my woofers ripple visibly, and the more intense passages become distorted (particulary the brass instruments). (And yes, I've tried it with minimal volume, to test the feedback theory, and with the same results.) I've tried extensive record cleaning with some of the most recommended products. On the other hand, my non-classical music sounds fine. Madonna, Yes, and Simon and Garfunkel play fine. So do Crosby Stills + Nash, REM, and Nickelback.

The only thing I can think of is that the classical music tends to be recorded at a much lower volume, thereby causing a low signal to noise ratio, whereas the pop music is inherently recorded at a higher volume, and this helps to drown out the noise.

I'm beginning to think that I should stick to CD's or brand-new 200g LP's for classical music from here on.

Any comments/suggestions?
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Showing 4 responses by gregm

gregm
3,396 posts
 
I have to echo Johnnantais here: you're mistracking, and it's probably a matter of overhang (considering you've checked the other alignments). And as Logenn notes, we buy classical usually based on the performance, not the weight of the vinyl... SO you can't really rely on audiophile issues alone for your musical enjoyment!
1) benchmarking with another system is a good idea
2) check out the cartridge overhang

BTW, I had a Project 6 on loan for some time at home (with a Benz Glider). I never had this problem with classical LPs, so it really must be something very simple to correct. I woudn't worry:)
Good luck!
gregm
3,396 posts
 
With all due respect Albert, I'm not sure that certain specs are misleading or that they should be waived altogether... (the latter being NOT what you're suggesting, I know).
Some measurements/ specs of interest made by an Australian testing audio media can be found here. These reflect what many people try to describe -- but cannot rationalise upon...
Speaking of the 16bit 44,1 standard, part of our problem stems from how the 22kHz ceiling affects the audible frequencies one octave below. Speaking of LP noise floor, the interesting spec is the noise to dynamic content ratio; most good analogue rigs extract a very high dynamic content rendering the noise content "sonically immaterial" -- NOT the other way round (i.e. on good analogue there is NO noise).
Speaking of ("channel", I assume?) separation at least spec-wise, quite a few cartridges spec over 60.

Finally, speaking of riaa correction, most devices out there are "well below par" IMO. I'd use the other word related to erogenous rarefaction, but it's forbidden by the powers that be:). Cheers
gregm
3,396 posts
 
El -- re, cartridges:
Clearaudio Discovery & up, the VdHul Grasshoper & up, the bigger Grados, the upmarket Lyras, the bigger Ortofons, most (all?) of the Allaerts...

This is really not an exhaustive list, are you actually interested in this type of product? Cheers!
gregm
3,396 posts
 
El, the cartridges I mentioned (sorry about the Ortofons) related only to channel separation -- not sound. Regarding sonics, I like Allaerts, the bigger (&expensive) Clearaudio & the two common Shelters. I used to use a VdHul MC2 and a Grasshopper back in the old days. I'm now using a Clearaudio Insider. Not very indicative -- I get along with most cartridges ever since I acquired a good TT+arm combo.

Practically I've found that much of the cartridge's performance is directly related to the arm (obvious, but it took me a long time to realise) rather than its specs.
Sorry I can't be more informative (or opinionated?). Cheers
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