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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? 


128x128cspiegs
terry9
2,253 posts
 
I suggest a $20 test.

Send a record or two out for ultrasonic cleaning. I had a VPI 16.5, and now clean ultrasonically. Big differences, noise among them.
scm
299 posts
 
 islandmandan and terry9 have it right.

 If you have a TT you`ll eventually/inevitably end up with an US cleaner....period 

Has anybody else noticed how many VPI RCMs seem to be popping up  on the 'bay ??

Yeah...there`s a reason for that, so either buy one outright or have fun and save a few dollars and put one together yourself.

You`ll be listening to records that you thought were hopelessly noisy/unlistenable and you`ll be hearing so much more in records you thought you knew so well.
  

cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
Hello all.  Thanks for all your suggestions, there is a lot to consider here.  And three noise issue is just with certain recordings which could be how they were recorded/pressed or they are worn. 

Does anyone think a device like the Burwen DNF 1201A is redundant with my DBX 3BX-DS?

Interesting suggestion about the Gruv Glide.  When I first collected records 30 years ago, I used a record preservative called Soundguard (similar to another product called Last). There were mixed reviews if it affected music quality.  It was more to make records last longer. 
cousinbillyl
190 posts
 
How many of us have left these pages?

Reading these responses has left me scratching my head.

Azimuth adjustment is the most important of all the cartridge tweaks. Until your azimuth is perfect, everything else is meaningless.

cspiegs, start reading past threads about azimuth. Even if you don't have the adjustment on your tonearm, there are numerous 'tricks' you can use.

good bye.
gasbose's avatar
gasbose
82 posts
 
I'm with Mattmiller; try GruvGlide. Also, LAST  2 Record Preservative. They make a real difference. Of course if your LPs are really badly recorded -- or very worn -- then nothing will really restore them. But try these.

GBose
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