Record Cleaning Machines

SolidSqual
SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
edited March 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
I'm looking at VPI 16.5 and the Nitty Gritty 1.5 or 1.5Fi. Can anyone tell me their experiences with either and perhaps which they prefer.

Thanks,

Mike
Post edited by SolidSqual on
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited February 2009
    Joe had both and he kept the VPI. I need to make something for myself. I am tired of having just the felt wiper, and solution;)
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited February 2009
    I've had the NG and the VPI. The VPI is superior.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited February 2009
    Thank you for your comments. I was leaning toward the VPI, but . . .

    Do you have several mats for the VPI? When you flip a clean record over aren't you just putting the record back on a dirty mat? To me, I thought this is where the NG was superior.
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited February 2009
    I have two mats...one to put a dirty side on, one to put a clean side on.

    The other advantage of the NG is that it sucks down and not up...but, for whatever reason, the VPI still works better. I like having the platter to scrub on.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,561
    edited February 2009
    TroyD wrote: »
    I have two mats...one to put a dirty side on, one to put a clean side on.

    The other advantage of the NG is that it sucks down and not up...but, for whatever reason, the VPI still works better. I like having the platter to rub my dingus on.

    BDT

    Fixed it for ya. :D
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited February 2009
    I have been using the NG Mini pro for some time now and I have not one complaint when using the steam cleaner to compliment the cleaning procedure. I don't think [running off of memory here] that my model is the same as the 1.5 as it is the dual sided model but it does a fantastic job for me. No complaints here.

    I apologize but that's all the information I have to offer as I have never owned a VPI. I can say this, I have heard both and both are rather loud. Minor complaint for what it does but still, they both are loud to the point of having to raise your voice to right below shouting level to hear from 5' away.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited February 2009
    VPI--16.5, be happy.

    RT1
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited February 2009
    reeltrouble1 wrote: »
    VPI--16.5, be happy.

    RT1

    +1 on what RT1 said
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,766
    edited February 2009
    Most prefer the VPI models. The entire record is supported by a platter so it has more torque to spin while you are exerting pressure with a brush. You also don't have to flip them to vacuum. You clean the top side with a squirt of solution, a few spins and a cleaning brush, then drop the vacuum tube and suck it dry. The Nittys are only held in the center and on the edge with a little roller. I've heard that the roller keeps the lead in from getting cleaned as well.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited February 2009
    I've been using a NG 1.5Fi for the better part of a year and have no complaints except it is quite loud on the vacumn cycle. I've cleaned hundreds of records with it.
    SDA-1C (full mods)
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    Nitty Gritty 1.5FI RCM
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2009
    On my 16.5 I use two mats and three different vacuum tubes for the three different solutions I use. I also use three different scrubbing brushes.

    Ya can't be too careful with cross-contamination.

    Edit: once a record has been treated the first time with all three (sometimes 4 solutions) I only use VPI record cleaning solution to clean the record before each play.
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited February 2009
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    On my 16.5 I use two mats and three different vacuum tubes for the three different solutions I use. I also use three different scrubbing brushes.

    Ya can't be too careful with cross-contamination.

    Edit: once a record has been treated the first time with all three (sometimes 4 solutions) I only use VPI record cleaning solution to clean the record before each play.

    Now that's a cleaning process! Mine pales in comparison. I think I need to enter a 12 step program to regain audiophile status :o
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2009
    As far as steam cleaning is concerned in conjunction with the 16.5 it really gets down deep in the groove. My problem with it is that I am very heavy handed and have a propensity to scald the record. So I stopped using the steam cleaner.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited February 2009
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    So I stopped using the steam cleaner.
    Wow, I thought I'd never hear that. So long as I keep the nozzle above the 3-4" threshold, I'm golden with the steam cleaner cleaning method in conjunction with the NG.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited February 2009
    I just bought a VPI 16.5. Thanks for the advice guys.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2009
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Wow, I thought I'd never hear that. So long as I keep the nozzle above the 3-4" threshold, I'm golden with the steam cleaner cleaning method in conjunction with the NG.

    I just happened to scald too many records so that told me I was not meant to use the steamer. Like I said I am heavy handed so I sometimes push too hard on the scrubbing brushes too but I seem to have more control over them.

    I still use the steamer on the occassionally grungy used records I might come across but I feel the dirt somehow protects the vinyl from this heavy hand.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2009
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    I just bought a VPI 16.5. Thanks for the advice guys.

    Great decision.:) You won't be sorry.
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited February 2009
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    ....and have a propensity....

    I had one of those the other day. The doc gave me some meds and it cleared up.

    I'm still getting by with your old, refurbed, NG Joe.
    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 *
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2009
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    I had one of those the other day. The doc gave me some meds and it cleared up.

    I'm still getting by with your old, refurbed, NG Joe.

    I bought that thing back in 1985 from The Tweak Shop. I bet they would never guess that it would still be seeing action lo these many years.:eek::cool:
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited February 2009
    Heck, I'm old and still see action.:D I have tried to snag a used 16.5 here and there with no luck. Maybe someday.
    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 *
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited February 2009
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    On my 16.5 I use two mats and three different vacuum tubes for the three different solutions I use. I also use three different scrubbing brushes.

    Ya can't be too careful with cross-contamination.

    Edit: once a record has been treated the first time with all three (sometimes 4 solutions) I only use VPI record cleaning solution to clean the record before each play.

    Amatures...here's what you need. http://www.kenmore.com/shc/s/p_10154_12604_02213742000P?keyword=kenmore+13742&sLevel=0

    Perfect water temp, low suds, cleans out all those pits & grooves. Dry cycle that'll have you shaking your head in disbelief.!!!:confused:
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited February 2009
    You can boil your records to save time too.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2009
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    amatures...here's what you need. http://www.kenmore.com/shc/s/p_10154_12604_02213742000p?keyword=kenmore+13742&slevel=0

    perfect water temp, low suds, cleans out all those pits & grooves. Dry cycle that'll have you shaking your head in disbelief.!!!:confused:

    waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,244
    edited February 2009
    VPI 16.5. it is taking everything i have to not pull the trigger on this.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2009
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    VPI 16.5. it is taking everything i have to not pull the trigger on this.

    Just do it. You won't be sorry.:)
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited February 2009
    do it do it do it do it do it do it do it
    od ti od ti od ti od ti od ti od ti od ti

    sounds much better than on a clean record though.

    RT1
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2009
    reeltrouble1 wrote: »
    do it do it do it do it do it do it do it
    od ti od ti od ti od ti od ti od ti od ti

    sounds much better than on a clean record though.

    RT1

    Send me up some of what you are smoking.:eek::p
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited February 2009
    I have gas and my hemorroids hurt, its on the way in a bucket of steam to you.

    RT1
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2009
    reeltrouble1 wrote: »
    I have gas and my hemorroids hurt, its on the way in a bucket of steam to you.

    RT1

    :eek:Yuck-a-rooney!:eek:
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited February 2009
    reeltrouble1 wrote: »
    do it do it do it do it do it do it do it
    od ti od ti od ti od ti od ti od ti od ti

    sounds much better than on a clean record though.

    RT1

    Sounds like a typical record skipping...gotta love vinyl!!!:D
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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