Cartridge surface noise

[alcarmichael]

I have two cartridges; the one which I prefer the sound of appears to be much more susceptible to surface noise than the other.

Would this suggest that the stylus is dirty? If so what's the best method to clean it?

[Oldpinkman]

It might be dirty, and if so you will get lots of suggestions for cleaners, although I usually brush mine dry, and use a bit of alcohol in extremis

However, its much more likely to be inherent to the cartridge design. A "fast" cartridge will make any noise sound like a faint tick - a slower one "smudges" the sound and makes it much more intrusive. Stylus profile also often has a lot to do with it. The super extra whizzy hyper cosmic elliptical profiles are generally quieter. Often much, much quieter.

:)

[alcarmichael]

I've tried brushing it with the supplied brush, it doesn't make any difference.

I've thought shortly after posting; could the 'noisy' cartridge need supreme attention to detail on set up? I've played with the VTA 'on the fly' but that doesn't seem to do much either.

[struth]

Azimuth is important noise wise. As said some carts can show up noise more than others. Stylii profile and how clean the record is too

[hifi_dave]

Set up, the arm/cartridge match, stylus shape and if the cantilever is Aluminium or something more sophisticated, like Boron. Aluminium is noisier.

[alcarmichael]

Set up, the arm/cartridge match, stylus shape and if the cantilever is Aluminium or something more sophisticated, like Boron. Aluminium is noisier.

Arm and cartridge matching is another thing I thought about last night. I'm not sure on how this works though, if anyone more knowledgable than me can help?

The arm is a Micro Seiki MA 202, the offending cartridge is an Audio Technica ART-1.

When I have the AT 33 PTG fitted surface noise is hugely reduced.

[struth]

Audio Technica ART-1 / ouput voltage = 0.35mV / stylus pressure 1.4g to 1.8g with 1.6g recommended / frequency range 10Hz to 50KHz / channel separation at 1KHz = 30dB / coil impedence = 12ohms / recommended load using amplifier = min 100ohms / recommended load using transformer = above 20ohms / weight = 8.5g / diamond clad boron cantilever.

Sure hifi dave knows more about these..

[alcarmichael]

I've ordered a spirit level to perfectly set the azimuth, I've only ever done it by eye.

[aniki]

Arm and cartridge matching is another thing I thought about last night. I'm not sure on how this works though, if anyone more knowledgable than me can help?

The arm is a Micro Seiki MA 202, the offending cartridge is an Audio Technica ART-1.

When I have the AT 33 PTG fitted surface noise is hugely reduced.

Hi,
The ART1 is a nice cart and a tad more full bodied than some of the other AT carts.
In terms of mass and compliance you're fine. In fact I would say the ART1 is a slightly better match for your arm than the AT33.
IMO the problem you're having is likley just simply down to characteristics of the carts.

[Jimbo]

The ART 1 has a nude micro linear stylus profile which is similar to the JICO SAS stylus profile. I have found this to be very quiet so would expect the AT ART 1 to be the same?