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Which part reduces surface noise most?

Hi all -

I have been lucky enough to hear a few turntable setups that put surface noise/cracks and pops "on another plane", which makes focusing on the music so much easier. These tables have included:

Well-Tempered w/ unk Audio Technica Cart and modified Dyna PAS 3 preamp
Linn LP12 with various Benz Micro cartridges and Audio Research phono stage
Kuzma Stabi with Cardas Heart (Modded Benz Ruby) cart /BAT phono stage

However, I've yet to recreate this phenomenon at my home. Granted, I've never spent the kind of money required to buy the 'tables listed above, but I'm wondering where the next upgrade step is for me.

I currently have a Techncis 1210 with Cardas wiring and the KAB fluid damper with an Ortofon 2m Blue cart playing through a NAD 304 integrated. The sound is pretty good, but the crackles and pops still really bother me.

In your experience, is it a function of the the stylus profile, the phono stage, low-output vs high-output, mc vs mm, or any combination of the aforementioned that will help me in my quest to separate the noise from the music?

Any input will be most appreciated, thanks!
joelv

Showing 1 response by islandmandan

islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
One relatively inexpensive means to lowering surface noise is cartridge alignment. Many (or most) users of the MintLP arc tractor find that once alignment and overhang are optimized, surface noise becomes less prominent. Stringreen pointed this out after getting his arc tractor. I can't recommend it highly enough. Even at the new price, $110, it is a screaming good deal. You owe it to yourself to find out what your analog front end can really do. You will be amazed, I'll wager.

Enjoy,
Dan
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