'Static crackles' with my phono stage

[Pigmy Pony]

If those Zerostat guns are not used correctly they will cause more harm than good.
Use a carbon fibre record brush held in one hand with the other hand touching the metalwork of the turntable.

Another tip is to have a well watered pot plant near your turntable.

I did read up on those Zerostat guns, and it seems no one can agree on how best to use them, so I think I'll pass. But the carbon fibre brushes sound like they would be worth a try.

[CageyH]

Overusing a brush will create static as it rubs against the surface.

[Barry]

Overusing a brush will create static as it rubs against the surface.

Not if you use a brush with carbon fibre bristles, and 'complete the circuit' with your free hand touching the metalwork of the turntable. Also the brush is only pressed lightly down on the record surface for one or two revolutions.

Avoid using felt mats: rubber mats full of carbon black are better.

Removing the record gently from the inner sleeve will also help, as does using 'anti-static' inner sleeves.

[Pigmy Pony]

Not if you use a brush with carbon fibre bristles, and 'complete the circuit' with your free hand touching the metalwork of the turntable. Also the brush is only pressed lightly down on the record surface for one or two revolutions.

Avoid using felt mats: rubber mats full of carbon black are better.

Removing the record gently from the inner sleeve will also help, as does using 'anti-static' inner sleeves.

The turntable was supplied with no mat, and is intended to be used that way. And I've never felt inclined to use a mat - I'm sure the manufacturer knows more about this stuff than me.

Thinking about it, the issue is about as old as our new replacement carpet. Carbon fibre brush my next purchase then. Any to recommend, Any to avoid?

[Barry]

What is the platter made of?

The record brush I use is made by Decca, but I doubt if they are available anymore.

[Pigmy Pony]

What is the platter made of?

The record brush I use is made by Decca, but I doubt if they are available anymore.

This is the model. Spec says 'double billet aluminium platter'.

[AJSki2fly]

The turntable was supplied with no mat, and is intended to be used that way. And I've never felt inclined to use a mat - I'm sure the manufacturer knows more about this stuff than me.

Thinking about it, the issue is about as old as our new replacement carpet. Carbon fibre brush my next purchase then. Any to recommend, Any to avoid?

So I have two brushes, a Pro-Ject carbon fibre one and a simple velvet one like this. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Antistatic-...s%2C140&sr=8-3

I have virtually stopped using the carbon fibre brush as it was and does induce static into the records, if I clean with it and the move it to the spindle and let the metal part touch it you can hear the static discharge to earth.

A friend gave me the simple velvet brush and this removes dust very well and I find does not induce static.

An audiophile friend has a Zerostat recently purchased to replace the broken one he had from the 70's, personally I do not rate them much.

As Barry says ensuring that the TT is properly earthed and you or the record cleaner is earthed when you clean the record on the TT is important. I believe some platters can generate a static charge as they spin much like a Van De Graff generator, so very important that they are properly earthed. Might be worth having a chat with TT supplier or manufacturer to see if they are aware of any issues with static build up.

[Magna Audio]

The problem going away with a different phonostage and back again with your Project implies its the phonostage or connectivity thereof.

From what you more recently describe,
I'd focus in on the earthing / recreate placement, cabling as far as possible etc that you had with the loaner one.

It sounds like the loaner phonostage could deal with it, whereas your Project can't. Question is why / how are they different?
Can you close / eliminate the gap?