Hi, I was wondering if someone could 'define' an acceptable level of surface noise when listening to a vinyl recording LOUD. Its very audible on my system and I was wondering if there was something in the setup/type of cartridge that may be contributing (I've already cleaned my records).

BONUS: colored vinyl seems to have a noisier floor than black vinyl, I always wondered why this is. Anyone got the answer??

Thanks so much guys,
Andy