Static problems

[pluske]

Recently got rid of my first TT, a Denon DP-300F, and replaced it with a Luxman PD-264. Ever since, my records have been picking up incredible amounts of static during playback. I know some static is typical, but here I can feel it when I pull the record off the platter, and the discharge is sufficient to make the speakers pop without even contacting the stylus. Im trying to figure out why this is happening and how I can fight it.

Ive come up with 3 possibilities.
1 - its just the dry winter air (unlikely, I used the other TT in winter also and besides we have steam heat)
2 - its a function of direct drive motors (idk enough about this but seems like people would talk about it more if it were the case)
3 - its a platter mat issue

Both record players have rubber mats. Im sure the composition of the rubber can vary, and i was wondering if I should replace the mat with something that can combat the static. I have seen reports that cork mats can help, also leather seems to be suggested. I dont love the look of either. Luxman TTs also have platters that have a slightly recessed mat so I would have to get something that is precisely the right diameter.

Hoping others have run into similar problems and solved them!

 

[doctor fuse]

My cork mat seemed to make static worse. But maybe the cork/rubber blend mats are better.

Are you sure the cartridge/stylus is aligned well? Mostly this would apply to static sounds while playing, so probably not the issue.

Have you tried playing a record with the mat off?

 

[Kit Carson]

Possible you also upgraded the cartridge along with the table and it's digging deeper into the record grooves imbedded with gunk. No mention of how you are cleaning your records. My records all cleaned on RCM and just prior to playing I use a carbon fiber brush to remove any small amount of dust, also use a stylus brush for each side of record, my records play almost as silent as a CD. All my records are very good to mint condition, none abused dirty deep scratches. Table has original rubber mat. All your components properly grounded?

 

[pluske]

No Im not sure its aligned perfectly. Luxman tonearms dont have a detachable headshell (really annoying!) so I had to align it as well as I could. Its probably not perfect but not that far off either. The sound is good. I think the azimuth is probably spot on, same for VTA, but everything was done by eye. How far off would it have to be to cause static problems?

 

[doctor fuse]

Conical needles are very tolerant of misalignment, and I find they get progressively more sensitive as the cut gets taller and thinner (elliptical on up). But it sounds like this is more noise than a slight misalignment.

The non-removable headshell probably has better resonance and vibration issues than an equivalent detachable, so you may grow to appreciate it.

Sometimes static issues are like gremlins that appear out of nowhere and then just as suddenly disappear. Good luck on resolving them, hopefully someone with good ideas responds.

 

[ripblade]

I know some static is typical, but here I can feel it when I pull the record off the platter, and the discharge is sufficient to make the speakers pop without even contacting the stylus. Im trying to figure out why this is happening and how I can fight it

This is not a case of bad stylus alignment. Try an acrylic mat. For now, use an old record stuck to the platter with double sided tape.

 

[ripblade]

I know some static is typical, but here I can feel it when I pull the record off the platter, and the discharge is sufficient to make the speakers pop without even contacting the stylus. Im trying to figure out why this is happening and how I can fight it

This is not a case of bad stylus alignment. Try an acrylic mat. For now, use an old record stuck to the platter with double sided tape.

 

[pluske]

This is not a case of bad stylus alignment. Try an acrylic mat. For now, use an old record stuck to the platter with double sided tape.

Interesting. Just putting a record on may mess with the VTA a little but I’ll try it. Been looking at acrylic mats, as well as whatever the Herbies ones are. Just need to get a good measurement of the mat diameter, since it has to sit partially inside the platter.

So, you do not recommend leather?

 

[pluske]

Conical needles are very tolerant of misalignment, and I find they get progressively more sensitive as the cut gets taller and thinner (elliptical on up). But it sounds like this is more noise than a slight misalignment.

The non-removable headshell probably has better resonance and vibration issues than an equivalent detachable, so you may grow to appreciate it.

Sometimes static issues are like gremlins that appear out of nowhere and then just as suddenly disappear. Good luck on resolving them, hopefully someone with good ideas responds.

I should clarify the record plays clean, I don’t hear pops during playback. But afterward the amount of charge in the vinyl is concerning.

I hope you’re right and this works itself out. It’s not a big problem, just something new that I could live with but would rather not.

 

[ripblade]

So, you do not recommend leather?

It didn't work for me. If the record helps, the acrylic will be a close second.

What helps too is how quickly you lift the record. It should be done slowly to give the ions time to equalize, preferably lifting one edge at a time, with a finger at the other edge touching the platter to act as a ground path.

 

[Montycat]

I've heard people might have good results using dryer antistatic sheets under the mat. I've never tried it but it's worth a try.

 

[pluske]

I've heard people might have good results using dryer antistatic sheets under the mat. I've never tried it but it's worth a try.

Lol. Scented or regular?

 

[Toblerone]

Lol. Scented or regular?

I prefer to use "spring breeze" scented sheets.

I have actually used dryer sheets in the past. Not under the mat. But. rather giving them a quick tappy tap over the top and bottom of the mat. It does help discharge the mat.

I don't think I've experienced any static issues as drastic as you are describing. However, in the winter months, when the air is dry, static can build from time to time. I typically rinse my mat and record brush in water, and let them dry. This solves my issues. The water discharges any static.

I primary use a rubber/cork mixed mat. Sometimes an all rubber mat. I also have all hardwood and floating floors. No carpets, some area rugs here and there.

Other things to take into consideration. Is your room carpeted? Are you wearing just socks? These may sound silly, but can lead to massive static build up.

 

[pluske]

All fair points. I am fairly sure I or the room are not the source of the charge. I have a static brush I run over them before I play, they charge up in the time they spend under the needle. I guess humidifier or deionizer is going to be my ticket out.