Crackle and hiss on some albums

I offer another PVF salutation as possible help for your problem with noise. I’ve several albums that were purchased in both vinyl and RTR played on my prosumer Studer. Of course, tape is without extraneous noise and has a stronger dynamic range. Some albums— but not can be cleaned by PVF to a silence that matches RTR. This is my experience for new and used albums. Neither PVF nor I are able to predict in advance what album will become noiseless. PVF is not cheap. But despite their cost and variable success, a positive outcome with PVF is so striking that I send every album to them — even those that are new.

@lewm 

No, I cannot say that with absolute certainty as it was from a series of upgrades of different tables and cartridges etc on different tts when I was moving from mid-fi to audiophile stuff. It all seemed to contribute to different degrees. The solidly stable tt seemed to significantly reduce surface noice. The cartrige when having a tiny stylist would significantly reduce the pops and more obvious discrete noise.  

I believe that @mahler123 hit the nail on the head. Vinyl as a medium is prone to physical imperfections. Be it foreign matter like dust or fingerprints (gasp!) or actual damage to the record itself such as scratches or just plain wear. 

As a long time vinyl enthusiast, I think I've learned to just listen 'past the noise' to the good stuff we're after which is, ostensibly, the music. I found a great LP at a used shop the other day, Brubeck's "Time In". 

A quick examination at the store showed it to be in not too bad in condition, When I got home I ran it through my Project RCM and was pleased that although not perfect, it was quite passable listening. And having learned something new, I'll now have to search for the rest of the "Time" series of LPs. After listening a thought occurred to me and sure enough, searching Amazon Prime, "Time In" appeared in the catalog and I can listen to the music w/o the surface noise of the LP... But somehow the LP sounds more vivid, more "real" to my ears in comparison. 

Sorry for the ramble! Too much coffee this morning I expect. 😇

Happy listening.

"Time Out" made the Brubeck Quartet practically a household name in the US at a time when jazz was popular music. That's the one you want.  Joe Morello's drum work on that album is unique and spectacular, as indeed it had to be because of the weird time signatures chosen by the group. Paul Desmond was recognized for the great alto sax player that he already was, as a result of that album. You can get good pressings of that album easily.

Start streaming Qobuz, better quality sound than vinyl!