Audio Systems: Turntable Sound Quality, line level inputs, fidellity

Question
QUESTION: I have a JVC LA-100 turntable with an ADC ALM MKI cartridge. I just pulled it out of the closet, after about 12 years, to transfer some albums to my pc. I need to replace the belt and now the tt seems to work fine. The problem I am having is with audio quality. Sounds in the voice range, around 4K hz, have a static sound similar to over clipping when recording to tape. I thought the record was just worn out, but it is happening to all of them. Does this sound like a stylus problem, cartridge problem, or something else? I have cleaned the record and stylus, and reduced the recording volume, but nothing changed. Thanks for any help.

ANSWER: What is the turntable connected to/through?  Are you recording directly to the PC?
Dan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am connecting through a pre-amp that accepts phono and line level inputs. I connected a tape deck and it sounds fine.

ANSWER: I have a few ideas, but a few more questions just to be sure...
1) Is the sound level OK?
2) Does the pre-amp specifically accept PHONO or is it marked MIC and LINE?

Thanks,
Dan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The sound level is good and the pre-amp inputs are labeled PHONO and LINE with a switch to select the appropriate one.

Answer
Without actually hearing the sound, it is difficult to say specifically, but here is how it should work and wher eI would suggest you look next:
1) The pre-amp should be on Phono.  This will engage the proper equalization for the cartridge as well as teh correct output level.
2) The test with the tape deck only indicates that the line level section works properly.  Tape decks output a much higher signal than Phono.
3) From your description, I would have initially thought that the pre-amp was switched to the line input, but that should have given you a much quieter signal and the level would have been low.
4) Try changing the needle.  If the needle is worn,it will ride on the top of the record track and the fidellity of the signal will be poor.

Keep us posted on your progress.
Thanks,
Dan