[lord_glum]

So I picked up a Pro-ject 1.2 TT more or less for free; its plugged into the cambridge pre running right not my mono blocks.  I put on a shure 97 (I think) cartridge.  Used the tools to align and parellel my tone arm/cartridge.  Set the conterweight and anti skate and played some stuff.  Here is my basic question (I think I know the answer):

I snagged some pristine LP's of the 'bay and they sound pretty good.  I have some old elvis LP's that pop and crackle pretty badly.  I have washed them w/diy cleaner and still get static.  Am I now stick with only pristine recordings?

Thanks,
Jvo

[Wayner]

The static sounding "pop-corn" sound can be caused by a couple of things. First, the Elvis records may have some mold growing in the grooves, which should come out with some repeated cleaning and playing. The other source is over-heated vinyl at pressing time where the temperature on the record press was too high and boiled the vinyl. This is not curable, but I suspect the first problem. Clean and play. Use some isopropyl alcohol (dilute it about 4 to 1 with clean water) and a Discwasher brush.

Happy spinning!

Wayner

[dmckean]

Another cause can be records pressed from previous records that have been melted down. They did this during the 80s and a lot of times didn't even bother with removing the labels.

[Ericus Rex]

Since we're on newb vinyl topic I have a question that may or may not be related to the pops.

Long ago, before I new the word audiophile existed I saw many other oblivious listeners tape a penny on top of their headshell to keep the stylus from skipping or so they could play slightly warped records.  Since a penny weighs 2.5 grams and is in addition to whatever the tracking force was before the procedure it's clear this was not a good thing.  I can understand damage to the stylus or cantilever would happen.  But what would happen to the record itself if it were played lots with so much pressure?

[WGH]

But what would happen to the record itself if it were played lots with so much pressure?

Probably the same thing that happened to my "Henry Hawk's Chicken Hunt" record, it got worn out. Stylus shape back then were probably spherical (also known as "conical") or elliptical if it was a stereo cartridge and the extra weight was not as bad as it would be today.

[TheChairGuy]

Ericus,

You should still balance the cartridge/arm with the appropriate amount of downforce (aka, tracking force) that the cartridge maker recommends...the penny is there to add weight to the end for various reasons (the cartridge requires it, or arm, etc).

Without re-balancing, you really are damaging your stylus and record in the process.

Part of the (oft-maddening) nuances of vinyl playback.  Taping a penny to the headshell is usually indicative or situations that can be relieved in less destructive ways.

Regards, John

[lord_glum]

I assume something like this?

http://www.needledoctor.com/Discwasher-D4-Kit

[Wayner]

Yea, that's what I use but mine is 20 years older!  I gave up on the fluid and make my own but try theirs. Static is another source of pops, but that will go away with play and cleaning as both seem to discharge the static sooner or later. Better get a stylus brush as junk is going to get on that, too.

Clean record equal happy listening  aa

[Ericus Rex]

Ericus,

You should still balance the cartridge/arm with the appropriate amount of downforce (aka, tracking force) that the cartridge maker recommends...the penny is there to add weight to the end for various reasons (the cartridge requires it, or arm, etc).

Without re-balancing, you really are damaging your stylus and record in the process.

Part of the (oft-maddening) nuances of vinyl playback.  Taping a penny to the headshell is usually indicative or situations that can be relieved in less destructive ways.

Regards, John

Thanks John!  I've never done that personally.  I set my arm to deliver the right force per the Benz's suggestions.  But I have purchased many a used record that sounded just awful, far worse than what sloppy mastering/cutting could have done.  In these moments I wonder what that disc has gone through in its long life....

[TheChairGuy]

Ericus,

Yes, sometimes there just is too much prior damage to help with old records. Thorough cleaning helps a lot - but, sometimes it unearths a bit more noise from the grooves.

At some point you just tune out the noise that won' be found with digital technologies and you just enjoy it.  Or, we all go back to CD and curse the damn technology for sounding eerily quiet and simple to use....but lacking the fundamental ability to draw us into the music 

John