Crackling and popping using Technics SL-1400 mk2

[fbrooms]

Hi,
I bought a turntable off eBay today - a technics SL-1410 mk2 to complete my setup which is a great bit of kit so I can listen to my records and when playing any records as soon as the stylus touches the record there are loads of crackling and popping sounds throughout. I use a pro-ject carbon fibre brush to remove static before listening but still no luck. I have a pioneer c-73 urushi elite preamp and a parasound hca-750a power amplifier. The cartridge that came with the turntable is a Shure M75EJM Type 2. Any ideas on the cause and how to fix? I was thinking it could be a worn out stylus or maybe the cartridge needs realigning? I’m not really sure where to start to be honest….

Cheers,

 

[needforspeed]

Hi,
I bought a turntable off eBay today - a technics SL-1410 mk2 to complete my setup which is a great bit of kit so I can listen to my records and when playing any records as soon as the stylus touches the record there are loads of crackling and popping sounds throughout. I use a pro-ject carbon fibre brush to remove static before listening but still no luck. I have a pioneer c-73 urushi elite preamp and a parasound hca-750a power amplifier. The cartridge that came with the turntable is a Shure M75EJM Type 2. Any ideas on the cause and how to fix? I was thinking it could be a worn out stylus or maybe the cartridge needs realigning? I’m not really sure where to start to be honest….

Cheers,

Yes, Confirm alignment and set up using the Technics gauge and set up guide in the manual. Definitely check the stylus on a used turntable

 

[Mr Boochie]

Maybe eyeball the stylus tip for caked-on dust and other goombahs?

 

[sound hound]

Welcome to AK! Hopefully we can help. Do you have any access to another cartridge, that is on a headshell that will fit the turntable? Sometimes the way to diagnose a problem is to substitute parts to eliminate possibilities.

 

[kermit z]

Welcome to AK!! As a rule of thumb, I will replace an unknown condition stylus when possible. That is a nice table and the best thing to do is learn to set up the cartridge. Vinyl is a very involving form of listening to music, but also IMHO the most satisfying when you get it right. Well, that and Reel 2 Reels but that is a whole other rabbit hole

 

[fbrooms]

Welcome to AK!! As a rule of thumb, I will replace an unknown condition stylus when possible. That is a nice table and the best thing to do is learn to set up the cartridge. Vinyl is a very involving form of listening to music, but also IMHO the most satisfying when you get it right. Well, that and Reel 2 Reels but that is a whole other rabbit hole

Thanks for the response! Do you think I should upgrade the cartridge or just replace the stylus? - I can’t find a lot on the M75EJM Type 2 to be honest and not sure if it’ll limit the setup I have anyways so might be safer to upgrade?

 

[fbrooms]

Welcome to AK! Hopefully we can help. Do you have any access to another cartridge, that is on a headshell that will fit the turntable? Sometimes the way to diagnose a problem is to substitute parts to eliminate possibilities.

I don’t unfortunately- all I know is that as soon as the stylus hits the record and the sound comes out the speakers the crackling a popping happens. I have tried a cd player through my setup instead and there’s no issue which I think suggests it’s something to do with the cartridge or stylus

 

[fbrooms]

Maybe eyeball the stylus tip for caked-on dust and other goombahs?

I’ve used a stylus brush cleaner I’ve got and doesn’t seem like there’s anything noticeable on it - I am planning on changing the stylus but as I said in another reply I’m not sure if I should just replace the cartridge too?

 

[kermit z]

Thanks for the response! Do you think I should upgrade the cartridge or just replace the stylus? - I can’t find a lot on the M75EJM Type 2 to be honest and not sure if it’ll limit the setup I have anyways so might be safer to upgrade?

What is your budget for the cartridge or stylus?

 

[fbrooms]

What is your budget for the cartridge or stylus?

Preferably no more than 200 - but if there’s something that’s way better for a bit more then I can stretch to that

 

[kermit z]

The Audio Technica line of cartridges are good. I have an AT95E on my SL-1400 standard table with very good results. For a more current, I would consider the AT-VM95EN or ones in this grouping.

 

[sound hound]

I have an AT95E on my SL-1400 standard table with very good results.

I would recommend considering the VM95C and installing it in a separate headshell so that you can compare it to the cartridge you have. At the least, it it will give you a way to determine if your noise problem come from the Shure cart or headshell. And you may decide you like the sound of it better than the Shure.

Here is a review:

Gramophone Dreams #44: Audio-Technica, Goldring, LP Gear phono cartridges Page 2 | Stereophile.com

I agree 100% with Art's observation: Spherical/conical-tipped cartridges emphasize "musical content" with force and vigor. And simplification. By eliminating some amounts of complex low-level spatial, atmospheric, and harmonic information, conical tips seem to expose the raw, beating core of...

www.stereophile.com

 

[fbrooms]

I would recommend considering the VM95C and installing it in a separate headshell so that you can compare it to the cartridge you have. At the least, it it will give you a way to determine if your noise problem come from the Shure cart or headshell. And you may decide you like the sound of it better than the Shure.

Here is a review:

Gramophone Dreams #44: Audio-Technica, Goldring, LP Gear phono cartridges Page 2 | Stereophile.com

I agree 100% with Art's observation: Spherical/conical-tipped cartridges emphasize "musical content" with force and vigor. And simplification. By eliminating some amounts of complex low-level spatial, atmospheric, and harmonic information, conical tips seem to expose the raw, beating core of...

www.stereophile.com

I've decided to definitely change the cartridge as after inspecting the stylus its not in great shape and bent. Considering the age of the cartridge too its probably not worth buying a replacement stylus anyways. I've managed to reduce the crackling by realignment and adjustment of the tonearm and cartridge, so its less noticeable but still there. Do you still recommend buying that cartridge or should I buy a better one? I'm thinking of buying a headshell also but not sure what there is to consider?

 

[curtisw99]

Hi,
I bought a turntable off eBay today - a technics SL-1410 mk2 to complete my setup which is a great bit of kit so I can listen to my records and when playing any records as soon as the stylus touches the record there are loads of crackling and popping sounds throughout. I use a pro-ject carbon fibre brush to remove static before listening but still no luck. I have a pioneer c-73 urushi elite preamp and a parasound hca-750a power amplifier. The cartridge that came with the turntable is a Shure M75EJM Type 2. Any ideas on the cause and how to fix? I was thinking it could be a worn out stylus or maybe the cartridge needs realigning? I’m not really sure where to start to be honest….

Cheers,

Was your record with a micofiber sponge or washcloth and Dawn or some other dish soap.

 

[sound hound]

I would still recommend buying the VM-95C. @kermit z said he likes the AT cartridge on his SL-1400 turntable. The value of the VM-95C is that it is the cheapest in the line and has been very well rated. My opinion is that initially it is better to try a few different cartridges before deciding to commit big sums into one particular brand. Premature commitment can interfere with objectivity in making decisions. Research proved this decades ago and I believe it is still valid today.