Crackling Sound with this cartridge

[g4xrs]

First of all id like to disclaim that im relatively new to vinyl, and this is my first time on this forum so i dont know if this is the right place to ask this. English is also not my first language.

I have recently upgraded my record player from a very plastic Denon Dp-29f to a pioneer pl-12d.

I am using a art dj pre 2 preamp and a sony receiver.

I have also leveled the player and calibrated the tonearm and cartridge. I used a baerwald protractor to align the cartridge and used a special stylus scale to double check the tracking force.

This record player came with a adc xlm mk2 cartridge.

The problem im having right now is that i get a lot of crackling/noise when playing records with the recommended tracking force ( which i believe is between 0,9 to 1,5g). If i up the tracking force to 2g there is substantially less noise.

When listening to the record player before buying i didnt notice this noise. I later found out this was because the seller had the tracking force set at 2,5g. At the time I didn't even know what tracking force was so had no idea this was wrong.

Upon installing the record player at my setup at home i noticed the cartridge was sacking/ sitting very low and almost touching the record. After which i researched a bit and found out how to setup my record player and did so immediately after.

My question know is how to fix this? Is my stylus worn, is the cartridge wrong for this record player. Or have i done something wrong with the setup? I will attach a video of the sound with the tracking force setup at the recommended 1g and as high as is is still within spec (1,5g)

Its a lot less apparent at 1,5g but still bothers me, as i bought this player so my records would sound better

The records dont have this sound when playing on my other record player, which in theory should be worse.

All the records are cleaned and stored in anti static audiophile inner sleeves so they dont have any scratches.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mtemur]

Replace cartridges with your other turntable and check if disturbing sounds are gone or not. There can be million things wrong here but it seems to me like a worn out cartridge suspension issue. Also those turntables tend to exaggerate top end as well as the phono pre you’ve using.

 

[AudioHR]

I remember using an ADC XLM Mkii when I was your age, lol! It was very nice cartridge in its day especially if you had a low mass arm. It seems they released an improved version in the 80's.

So to your problem. The cartridge was definitely not meant to track at 2.5 g. If you are sure your scale is giving you the proper reading I suspect the stylus assembly which is very important because of the design of the ADC should be replaced. Check to see what version of the body you have.

I did a quick search online apparently a Swiss elliptical is available for a very reasonable price. Mr.Stylus?

Good luck and happy listening.

 

[Another Johnson]

Clean your records.

 

[g4xrs]

I remember using an ADC XLM Mkii when I was your age, lol! It was very nice cartridge in its day especially if you had a low mass arm. It seems they released an improved version in the 80's.

So to your problem. The cartridge was definitely not meant to track at 2.5 g. If you are sure your scale is giving you the proper reading I suspect the stylus assembly which is very important because of the design of the ADC should be replaced. Check to see what version of the body you have.

I did a quick search online apparently a Swiss elliptical is available for a very reasonable price. Mr.Stylus?

Good luck and happy listening.

Thank you, i will look for a new stylus then.

 

[g4xrs]

Clean your records.

As i stated in my post i clean them (with an anti static brush) before every play.

I also use a record cleaning machine every time i get a new/used record.

I dont get this on my other record player, so its not the records.

 

[g4xrs]

Replace cartridges with your other turntable and check if disturbing sounds are gone or not. There can be million things wrong here but it seems to me like a worn out cartridge suspension issue. Also those turntables tend to exaggerate top end as well as the phono pre you’ve using.

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately i cannot swap the cartridge as they have a completely different design.

How do i fix the cartridge suspension issue? Would i have to replace the whole cartridge or just the stylus?

This is all new to me sorry, i have only been collecting and playing records for a couple of months.

 

[mtemur]

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately i cannot swap the cartridge as they have a completely different design.

How do i fix the cartridge suspension issue? Would i have to replace the whole cartridge or just the stylus?

This is all new to me sorry, i have only been collecting and playing records for a couple of months.

I don’t if there is still a replacement stylus for ADC cartridge but new stylus means new suspension for MM cartridges.

 

[AudioHR]

Thank you, i will look for a new stylus then.

You are welcome. @mtemur and I are giving you the same advice. The simplest and most inexpensive fix is to find a replacement stylus assembly. A google search should provide you with options.

I would not continue playing your valuable lps with your present cartridge. The comment on keeping the record clean was correct as fluff can build up on a stylus and cause mistracking but you obviously are keeping your records clean. Playing with a worn stylus or collapsed assembly could damage the grooves.

Also I should add that the ADC was a nice cartridge but needed to used with the proper tonearm. I am not familiar with the arm on your Pioneer other than the table was a very popular but budget table. A well conditioned one would still very likely be better than the budget turntables of today. Still I suspect the ADC is not the best match for its arm. You may wish to explore other moving magnet cartridges that are less compliment and more rugged. Grado, Shure.....

I would add that your Pioneer is a vintage turntable. If it hasn't been serviced recently you might want to check a few things such as the rubber grommets that isolate the motor. If they are hard they are not isolating anymore and it could add rumble. Also of course the condition of the belt and general lubrication. This could be a do it yourself or find a tech. This was a very popular table so you should find lots if information on it.

Good on you for keeping your records clean and properly stored. I started collecting in the 70' and most of my collection is still pristine after all these years. You can expect the same.

 

[g4xrs]

You are welcome. @mtemur and I are giving you the same advice. The simplest and most inexpensive fix is to find a replacement stylus assembly. A google search should provide you with options.

I would not continue playing your valuable lps with your present cartridge. The comment on keeping the record clean was correct as fluff can build up on a stylus and cause mistracking but you obviously are keeping your records clean. Playing with a worn stylus or collapsed assembly could damage the grooves.

Also I should add that the ADC was a nice cartridge but needed to used with the proper tonearm. I am not familiar with the arm on your Pioneer other than the table was a very popular but budget table. A well conditioned one would still very likely be better than the budget turntables of today. Still I suspect the ADC is not the best match for its arm. You may wish to explore other moving magnet cartridges that are less compliment and more rugged. Grado, Shure.....

I would add that your Pioneer is a vintage turntable. If it hasn't been serviced recently you might want to check a few things such as the rubber grommets that isolate the motor. If they are hard they are not isolating anymore and it could add rumble. Also of course the condition of the belt and general lubrication. This could be a do it yourself or find a tech. This was a very popular table so you should find lots if information on it.

Good on you for keeping your records clean and properly stored. I started collecting in the 70' and most of my collection is still pristine after all these years. You can expect the same.

Thank you for the extensive response.

I will be looking into how to maintain the record player. I love doing things myself and will try to do it with the right information.

It looks to be in good condition, the wood and dust cap still look really good, And the belt also seems to be good. It doesnt look cracked or anything like that.

I will get a new stylus first if I can find a good one, i looked for a "swiss elleptical stylus" but couldnt find one just yet.

If it still doesnt sound good i will look into getting a new cartridge that works better with this tonearm

Thanks again