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September 29, 2011 - 12:45pm
#1
Too much surface noise
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Update
I just moved all my stuff around, plugged my amp and record player into different outlets and then set them on the same surface, then on different surfaces. I moved my record player from a really wobbly desk to a very solid dresser and moved the speakers around a few times. Nothing changed at all :(
That's why I don't listen to vinyl anymore. I can't stand the surface noise. It's so 1960!
Hmmm I just tested it out with two records that were completely 100% never been used new and initially I thought the problem was gone, I wanted to smack myself for misinterpreting the fact that records just got dirtier faster than I thought they did.
But then I set my volume a little louder (but by no means loud) to around the nine oclock position and a hugely audible hiss was present, there didn't seem to be any surface noise on the record, but anywhere past 9 and it was nigh unlistenable due to hiss!
Does anyone have any idea what this could mean?
Do you have CDs of the same content? Might be a useful comparison to know if the hiss is in the recording or in your LP playback chain. Generally, there won't be objectionable hiss coming from LPs unless it's in the recording, in which case you'd also hear it on the CD.
Phono cartridges and preamps can be noisy/add hiss but decent equipment shouldn't really, at least not how you're describing it.
But be advised that a system that's "tipped up" --- emphasizes treble --- will absolutely amplify any hiss or noise present. This can be a characteristic of less expensive equipment. If so, the culprit could be anywhere or a culmination of events. Stereophile repeatedly mentions how good systems are a synergistic mix.
Take a few LPs with you to listen on another system before believing for an instant that greenelec's comment has much accuracy. Which I can tell you first hand, does not.
damaged or worn stylus. Also check your VTA, have you added a thicker platter mat?
http://www.lptunes.com/Zerostat-3-Anti-static-Pistol-by-Milty-p/zerostat.htm
I would not assume the stylus is shot without more troubleshooting. The Debut is known to be noise prone. Look on vinyl engine, audio karma, needle doctor reviews.
I have been in the same place as the OP with this turntable wondering if the whole vinyl thing is worth the trouble. The stock debut cartridge (Ortofon OM-5E) is not the quietest thing out there, but I can definitely get quiet playback on top condition records.
The hissy sound I have heard. For starters completely remove the cover during playback, that helps some and is easy :-) Then try reinserting the motor transport screws slightly. You can't screw them all the way down or the belt edge will start riding on the table. That worked for me. Some folks have also added various types of foam or dampening material under the motor mount, I have not needed to mess with that.
On to the true crackle and pop surface noise. If you are serious about the turntable thing you have to invest in at least a basic record cleaner like Spin-Clean and anti-static sleeves. Even brand new well presed records can have static build up from transit between climates.
If you don't have access to a cleaner, you really need a "known good" record that you know has little to no surface noise on another turntable to make a fair judgment.
So I picked up a "herbies way awesome mat" out of desperation when a few project owners on forums mentioned it helped... and it did! It didn't fix the problem completely but it definitely took some sting out.
Here's some more background information
When I first got the record player I wasn't exactly aware of how delicate Styli were so I kind of... wiped it with my hand once and accidentally pushed it a lot harder than I probably should have, I also dropped the needle once or twice before I even knew what the lever was for (pretty stupid I know). I was always planning on upgrading the cartridge so I'm hoping that when I get an ortofon 2m blue and... new stylus it with either fix the problem by being a new stylus or by being a better cartridge.
I am also going to get a sub $100 method for de staticking records... can you give any recommendations for this?
I was really surprised at how much a difference changing the mat made honestly, it's not an upgrade I was too optimistic about, but it really did a lot.
So wait actually let me pose the question
How likely do you think a slightly damaged stylus would be responsible for a sort of... continuous hissy grinding noise present on every record?
A low SPL can get the surface noise down .... Speakers with an inefficiency of 20dB/Watt at one meter can cut down surface noise.
Listening position is all important ...If I had too much surface noise, i'd move the sofa out into the back yard and try discerning it from there.
Alternatively if it's quality surface noise you want and to perceive every tiny nuance, listening to surface noise through something like Kingsound Electrostatics will really pull out the detail and the stage presence could be awesome. To maximise the overall surface noise listening experience, tape a silver dollar to the top of the headshell to really drive your Koetsu Black into the vinyl would be impressive.