VPI 16.5 LP cleaning machine

TroyD

Got it today....

This thing is HELLA cool. I don't know if it does a 'better' job than the NG does, but it's easier and a real cool man item.

Funny thing is it was delivered, literally, SECONDS after I finished cleaning Big Ted's stack of LP's on the NG machine.

BDT

madmax

I love mine! You are really into this vinyl stuff, huh? The RRL cleaner rocks with this thing. One thing I did was to get an extra tube for it, cut a small notch so I can insert in the upward direction, and use it to vacuum my brushes after cleaning records. Something to keep in mind if you ever want to replace the tube. Most people start out pushing very hard with the brush. That isn't necessary and can be detrimental, it is only to spread the fluid. Just thought I would throw that out.
Congrats!
madmax

TroyD

Thanks Chuck!

I've actually found a couple things, one, Ken's magic fluid is the best thing I've tried so far. It actually removed some surface rust off a car bumper. I also prefer the NG brush, the VPI brush is a little to stiff for my tastes.

BDT

cmy330go

That is a great machine! I have been quite happy with mine. Just as a side note.....not long after purchasing mine from Music Direct, I was visiting their shop in Chicago and mentioned that I had the 16.5 in passing. He informed me that they just started carrying a new brush that worked much better than the standard VPI brush. I purchased a number of thing that day and he was nice enough to throw a couple in with the deal. I really had my doubts about them, but have been very pleased. I have noticed a marked improvement over the original brush. Also the brush is much softer and therefore easier on the record. It is also very reasonably priced.

Here is a link if interested.
Mobile Fidelity Record Brush

Congrats on the new toy!!!
Dave

madmax

That MF brush is a MUST HAVE for sure. OK, I have to get into it. I use the original brush to brush on the stronger RRL cleaner and vacuum. Then I use a carbon fiber brush with standard RRL cleaner and vacuum. (the carbon fiber brush is very fine and really gets down in the grooves to remove any stubborn specks which didn't happen to come loose easily). I have done this for quite some time and have been very happy. A few months ago I added the MF brush as the third element of my cleaning. More RRL fluid, a few revs with the MF and vacuum. Oh man what a difference that brush makes. The backround becomes very silent on better recordings. It has been a VERY noticeable improvement.
madmax

cmy330go

madmax wrote:

.....Then I use a carbon fiber brush with standard RRL cleaner and vacuum.......

What kind of carbon fiber brush are you using? Is it anything like the standard AudioQuest dry brush?

madmax

It IS the standard AudioQuest dry brush. Very light force so the bristles just start to bend. Just enough to get deep into the groove. The cleaner does all the work, I'm just imobilizing the gunk in the deepest parts of the groove that otherwise wouldn't come loose. Picked up the idea on the vinyl asylum.
madmax

Edit: It's my understanding that the MF brush traps the dirt within its structure so it is very important to only use it on records which have already been vacuumed at least once if you want to use it for an extended amount of cleanings.

scottyf

I also have the VPI, but I've been using the stock solution and brush. Mentioned in this thread are the Mobile Fidelity Brush (thanks for the link) and RRL fluid. What does RRL stand for? Would I notice a difference using that fluid with the MF brush? Do I need a carbon fiber brush as well?

And here I was thinking that I was ahead of the curve just using the VPI!

madmax

RRL is Record Research Labs. Sold by Galen Carrol at www.gcaudio.com.

Seriously, I can't say if you would hear a difference or not. Results vary and we all do the best we can. I hear a difference given my particular equipment. I tried this combo because of various posts on the Vinyl Asylum. I'm happy...
madmax

Ricardo

Wow...cleaning machines...special brushes..liquids.....

Nope; don't think I'll get into vinyl any soon.

So how much time do you guys dedicate to cleaning your LP's???

madmax

HTrookie wrote:

So how much time do you guys dedicate to cleaning your LP's???

We spend 23 hours per day but allow a full hour of listening time!
madmax

cmy330go

HTrookie wrote:

Wow...cleaning machines...special brushes..liquids.....

Nope; don't think I'll get into vinyl any soon.

So how much time do you guys dedicate to cleaning your LP's???

There is no arguing that it is more work. But we wouldn't do it if it weren't worth the results. But that's OK....If you want to live with mediocre digital that's you're right.

reeltrouble1

TroyD wrote:

Got it today....

This thing is HELLA cool. I don't know if it does a 'better' job than the NG does, but it's easier and a real cool man item.

Funny thing is it was delivered, literally, SECONDS after I finished cleaning Big Ted's stack of LP's on the NG machine.

BDT

Not a problem. I will just eat some of that good southern chicken and listen to the stack. Give a good listen and then send them back to you good and slick upped. You can clean them again and I will report back if they sound better after the VPI.

You know how much I want one of those VPI 16.5.
Gotta run I am off to Popey's

Big Poppa/RT1

TroyD

Ted,

GET ONE. I got mine on a decent BIN, open box but unused.

Again, I can't really say if the VPI actually cleans better but it's easier and quicker.

You send them, I'll clean them.

BDT

Tour2ma

Which NG do you have, Troy? Manual or powered drive?
Is the 16.5 the one that will do both sides simultaneously?

As for brushes...
Watts is still the standard in my dog-eared book... and it's a book ol' Edwin wrote.
For deep cleaning his Wet Brush cannot be beat.
For immediately pre/ post-play, dusting/ static removal his Disk Preener is the bomb.
And during play his Dust Bug is just great.

madmax wrote:

We spend 23 hours per day but allow a full hour of listening time!

TroyD

I had (now Dave has) the all manual one that Audio Advisor sells.....I also used a direct drive TT for a cleaning platter. As I said, it worked well, just a little more time consuming.

Nope, the VPI does one side at a time. Manual fluid application/scrubbing. You then swing the vacuum arm over, flip the vacuum switch and viola, 2 revolutions later, clean record.

BDT

cmy330go

madmax wrote:

It IS the standard AudioQuest dry brush.....

Does using it with the fluid, ruin the brush for dry use? Just curious so I can buy another if need be.

Oh also, do you clean your brushes with anything special, or do you just rinse them with distilled water?

Thanks!

madmax

I would buy a second one just for wet use. As for mine, I vacuum it clean with my inverted cleaning tube. (read above). I don't use anything on it, I just vacuum off what is there.
madmax

cmy330go

Thanks for the tips! Looking forward to trying them out.