New Technics SL-1500c with 2M Red but snap crackle pop!

Hello fellow turntable enthusiasts,

First time poster, short time follower. I have recently abandoned most other social media apps (Twitter/meta =evil) and have fallen in love with Reddit the last couple months. Albeit, very late to game.

I have jumped head first into the rabbit hole and purchased a SL-1500c replacing my Sony PS-LX310BT (Great starter TT).

Blown away with the difference between the two TTs. After spinning a couple albums I noticed a trend as the popping and crackle become a theme.

I cleaned each record before playing as well, but this problem seems consistent to be dust or static.

I believe my set up of the tone arm / stylus pressure might be the culprit as this is the first time I have set up the tone arm, anti skate, stylus pressure. I followed the owners manual from Technics for the 2m red cartridge as well.

I am aware of the prominent dislike in the audiophile community for the 2m red cartridge, but I’m gonna give it a few months before upgrading to the blue or other equivalent.

Any help or suggestions would be great.

Update: I went through the entire install procedure last night and reset the tone arm and cartridge. I had an unopened album(Gorillaz Plastic Beach) give it a little fibre cloth wipe with no spray and viola! Snap, Crakle, pop all gone. I do believe my mostly new vinyl collection is still dirty and am looking into an ultra sonic cleaner. Thank you to all that posted. Love this community.