Steamer for cleaning vinyl ???

Toolfan66
Toolfan66 Posts: 17,244
edited October 2010 in 2 Channel Audio
My RCM does a great job but I feel with some used vinyl I could benifit from a steamer..

Where have or do you guys get yours that use them??

I have been wanting one for a while now, but the time is now. Also which one would be the best?

Last night I cleaned Melissa Etheridge and you couldn't hear any pops or cracks, but I cleaned Rush 2112 and I can tell I need to go over it again.. Some vinyl is just worse then others.

BTW Melissa Etheridge blew me away what a fantasic album..

Thanks,
Larry.
Post edited by Toolfan66 on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Polkersince85
    Polkersince85 Posts: 2,883
    edited October 2010
    I've got several models that I picked up at Thrifts for next nothing. I like the larger units with the hose and nozzle. They provide a good head of steam. I like a lot of head.
    >
    >
    >This message has been scanned by the NSA and found to be free of harmful intent.<
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited October 2010
    Larry, I’ve got a Sunshine Cleaner that has various attachments. I can clean the floor with it or use short angled nozzles to steam whatever. While steaming will help dislodge gunk stuck in the grooves, nothing will fix a damaged groove.

    New records can have surface imperfections. I’m sure you’ve purchased used vinyl. Folks that played records with a worn stylus, or playing dirty records, can scour, tear or gouge the grooves. Surface conchoidal fracture was a term used by Shure when they studied groove damage back in the day. They said the groove resembled broken or shattered glass. No fixing that....

    Oh, improper setup (VTF, poor alignment) will also cause excess wear/damage.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,244
    edited October 2010
    Yep, you take a risk buying used vinyl but for the most part I get lucky I'm very picky about what I get but some look great but there is only so much you can do.

    It's why I love new vinyl, minor cleaning and play. I'm just hooked on vinyl not one CD has seen my rig in three days..
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DarqueKnight
    DarqueKnight Posts: 6,765
    edited October 2010
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    My RCM does a great job but I feel with some used vinyl I could benifit from a steamer..

    Where have or do you guys get yours that use them??

    I use the Shark SuperSteamer. I got it from Amazon. My steaming regimen is described here: Shark SuperSteamer.

    Other record steam cleaning suggestions can be found here: Steam Powered Record Cleaning
    Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DarqueKnight
    DarqueKnight Posts: 6,765
    edited October 2010
    I just saw Keiko's post and I checked Amazon. The SuperSteamer does appear to be discontinued, but it has been replaced by a different model.
    Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter