Good quality vinyl equipment expensive?

[jman999]

Source: Sansui SR-2050C Automanual turntable
Receiver: Sansui 771
Speakers: Sansui SP-5500X (Pair)

On the many records I've tested there is a ton of hissing and popping and the audio quality generally sounds very poor at louder volumes. Certainly much worse than even 128 kbps mp3s. What is at fault here? The quality of the vinyl? The receiver? I know it's not the speakers because they're very clean when playing CD or DVD Audio. Should I try getting a new vinyl pre-amp for my Onkyo HT-R410?

Thanks,
-Jonathan.

[cetoole]

I am going to take a guess and say it is most likely the turntable, or cartridge that is at fault. It could also be from records that are in poor shape. Something that you should always do is clean the disks before playing them.

[sangram]

I can pretty much guarantee the records are worn, or the stylus/cartridge needs replacing.

A new turntable would be a good investment too, as sometimes the platter noise leaks through to the cartridge in case it's not properly mounted/damped.

But a good turntable is expensive...

[denz_1]

Id second that. Look around second hand. But audition them. New Cartridges are also expensive. Could just be dirty connections