I've just had an OL1 (plus all wiring upgrades) with Dynavector 10X5 fitted on my Technics SL1200MK2, the work was actually done by Mark @ Origin Live. Ever since the first play I've had a strange problem that never occurred with the old TT configuration. After a week of hunting around for tips on the internet, various experiments and even a phone call to OL the problem still persists and I'm getting a little peeved after what was, for me, an expensive upgrade. Maybe someone has experienced something like this?
The main problem is when taking records off the platter, a split second after lifting i getting a loud crack (discharge?) through my speakers. This never happened before the new arm was fitted. There is absolutely no static crackle whilst the records are playing, everything sounds great, I'm concerned about these "after cracks". I'm using the stock Technics rubber mat, planning on getting a Achromat next month (if i haven't thrown it all out the window!). The TT, which i've had for 8 years now, is sat, for the moment, on an IKEA Laak cabinet as it has been for over a year now. The room is 1 st floor, suspended wood floor.
Recording of the problem here (wav file 337kb)
http://www.sendspace.com/file/ehshugThe second problem is static, from out of the blue, never had static problems before. I've taken records off the shelf that I'm 100% sure are static free (skin/hair test) and after playing them you can just feel the static from holding the vinyl. The problem is much, much worse after "trying" using the Exstatic brush, getting many very loud cracks whilst in contact with record and again you can feel the static in your hands.
Got some Permostat in the post today and just tried various things.
1) Static free record straight off the shelf. Treated. Same static crack when lifting from the platter.
2) A record i played a couple of days ago with bad static from the TT. Treated. Failed... the record was still static ridden after playing.
3) Used Exstatic brush resulting in cracks and extra static. Treated record. No change.
OL suggested a strip of foil connecting the record with the platter underneath the mat. Didn't work. The foil sticks to the record everytime.
There have been no drastic atmos changes in my room and any that might have happened must have mysteriously coincided with my trip to OL!. No strange weather recently. I've even tried boiling the kettle in the room a few times to hopefully remove any static. Tried grounding myself before touching the TT. I'm making a tin foil hat (with viking horns) at the moment.
Could it be that the TT is making and retaining static somehow? Or is it a mains or ground problem (the loud cracks) and nothing to do with static at all?
It's all VERY frustrating