VINYL SURFACE NOISE

I had the record doctor cleaner and did not think it was to effective. I bought a VPI 16.5 and it made a big difference, plus the brush that comes with the VPI is great. I also purchased a Zerostat gun and that made an improvement. If you can set up a clamp on the Rega go for it.

I have a Rega 3, modified, with an older Benz 3 low output MC. I use a Nitty Gritty 2.5 cleaner which works great, and there is no need for a Zerostat ( I still have the one I bought in the late 70's) because the wet vac. cleaner removes static. As far as I know Record Clamps are not recommended for Regas. My suggestion: buy import LP's (english, german, Japanese) whenever possible--these almost always are pressed better w/less surface noise to begin with. Imports are just hard to get. MFSL lp's are the best. Also, don't you have noise problems with a Grado mounted on a Rega? that always was the case years ago.

86 the Record Doctor and carbon fiber brush (even the best shed fibers into the grooves and they tick). Buy and use a good record cleaning machine - Nitty Gritty or VPI (even a manual model if cost is a factor). For damaged disks (from playing while dirty or mishandling), treatment with LAST can help. Severely damaged or poorly pressed disks of standard vinyl have limited recovery. Wet cleaning with a machine takes care of static adequately. You do not have to clean with every playing if you handle carefully and return to good sleeve immediately after play. Of course, ensure that your tonearm/cartridge are aligned properly (vta, tangential) and stylus pressure is correct. Keeping humidity correct and vacuuming with a machine that retains dust rather than spreading it (Rainbow) provides a better vinyl environment especially for uncovered tables. Use a good record mat and keep it clean - mild detergent and water, shake and air dry. There are probably disagreements and other suggestions, but these work. Ex audiophile vinyl dealer.

I am a little confused. Often times there are posts like these. I understand it when someone has a problem with some albums but when the problem appears to be greater, i.e., like a majority of a persons collection, it throws me. In the past I have recommened various ways to combat surface noise, most of which are posted above with the acception of wet playing. Although, when the complant appears to be more pervasive I can only assume that the quality of the vinyl the person is purchasing is seriously compromised. Know your used sources! I have a decent play back system; CLasse' CA101-Classe'DR5-Well Tempered Record Player- Benz Glider- Maagie MGIIb's-M&K 150-Meridian 563-Magnovox 650-Sony PCM 2600- Maranz CDR630-Sony D-10 pro II and I won't bore you with the cables, and when friends listen to my system, and I'm talking your average music loving non-audiophile person, they comment on how clean the albums sound. They often can't believe that albums can be so quiet. Then when I do a non-scientific a/b with the CD they hear the difference in texture, depth and soundstage. This without any coaching. Anyway, I'm off on a little tangent, but the point I'm trying to make is that my system is a decent playback system that would not mask any ticks, pops or other surface noise. Therefore, if anyone feels that their surface noise is pervasively problematic they may need to find a better copy of the album they are attempting to play. Albums are more delicate than CD's and you do need to ensure that the albums you are buying are in the best condition. You can't always tell by looking at them. Some can be bad pressings and some could have been chewed up by a Sears Silvertone with $.78 worth of change taped to the top. Again, if you have tried cleaning and to no avail there is still a large amount of surface noise you need to give up on that album and find a better copy. If the album is rare the only other means of quieting it down is by wet playing.