I have an older turntable, Philips GE 212 form the 70’s, that I got from a relative. I’ve had to do some modest repairs so far, and I’m still getting more surface noise than I think I should be hearing. Just an occasional pop every once in a while. My most recent project was replacing the needle I came with (AT DR300e) with a newer cartridge (AT VMN95e). I thought that was going to be then end of it. It does sound very good, a lot of depth, but I still get the pops.
I have a little record brush, and I don’t see any apparent dust. The air is pretty dry because it’s cold here and my heat is running.
I’m worried that there might be something wrong with how the cartridge is connected to the head shell, because it has these flimsy connectors that don’t hold tight anymore after 40+ years. The Philips 212 has a distinctive head shell, and I can’t find replacement wires. I wouldn’t be opposed to replacing the head shell next, if it’s necessary.
Can't say I "know". Like I haven't taken the same cartridge, ran it for a bunch (but not too much!) to burn in, and then did a blind AB comparison with a brand new one to listen for differences.
Personally I don't believe in any kind of audio equipment burn in. I don't think manufacturers put out a product that would require the user to burn in the equipment for hundreds of hours before reaching its max potential. I think it makes sense that they'd want to release the product in an excellent state to impress potential buyers and reviewers.
To me it sounds like typical audiofool quackery but you can test it out and draw your own conclusions, or you can choose to believe in a little magic if that's what makes you happy. Won't hurt anyone but your wallet :)
I think some of the super high end cartridges will certainly open up after being broken in. Things like this video go through the first hundred or so hours of the Hana Umami Red.