Record Cleaning Machines

reeltrouble1

skipping records trump skipping CD's but nothing can beat skipping stones except skipping class.

RT1--you should reeeely write that one down.

hearingimpared

pearsall001 wrote: »

Sounds like a typical record skipping...gotta love vinyl!!!:D

Oh you're a riot Alice a regular riot!!!:p:D

Toolfan66

I am really thinking about getting the VPI 16.5, One question for you guys that have it or knows somebody that has it, Does it come with the cleaning supply's? or do you have to buy them separate? I guess that was two questions.


Thanks,

Larry.

hearingimpared

TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »

I am really thinking about getting the VPI 16.5, One question for you guys that have it or knows somebody that has it, Does it come with the cleaning supply's? or do you have to buy them separate? I guess that was two questions.


Thanks,

Larry.

It comes with a scrub brush and a bottle of VPI solution anymore and you have to pay. You can usually find them with package deals of MFSL brushes, MFSL cleaning solutions, and MFSL inner sleeves.

BlueFox

pearsall001 wrote: »

Sounds like a typical record skipping...gotta love vinyl!!!:D

I used to have a completely manual turnatable, AR XA, and it was as manual as you can get. You needed to set the arm in the track to play, and manually lift the arm at the end of the record.

One night, many years ago, I was playing some record by "Canned Heat" and fell "asleep" (if you get my drift). When I awoke, the arm was at the end of the record, and Canned Heat had recorded "boogie" (their trademark phrase) in the final groove of the record. So, all I was hearing as I woke up was "boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie,......"

Toolfan66

hearingimpared wrote: »

It comes with a scrub brush and a bottle of VPI solution anymore and you have to pay. You can usually find them with package deals of MFSL brushes, MFSL cleaning solutions, and MFSL inner sleeves.

Thanks,I was hoping it would come with what you needed to get started. I really like the sound of Vinyl, And i play it with no SUB. The A9's handle it just fine without the SUB.

I have been reading the post's about treating Vinyl, I am guessing this is what they are talking about, am i thinking this right?

SolidSqual

I got this one: http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HW-165P2

It comes with everything to clean records like a champ.

Toolfan66

So after you did the main cleaning with this, Do you just do the maintenance cleaning be for you played them for a few spins?

SolidSqual

TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »

So after you did the main cleaning with this, Do you just do the maintenance cleaning be for you played them for a few spins?

First, I scrub with disc doctor miracle record cleaner. Then I rinse with triple filtered distilled water.

Second, I run the records through the VPI 16.5 using various techniques to make sure there is not cross contamination.

Third, play the record.

Fourth, Place back in new record anti-static record sleeve.

Fifth, play the record again, brush with audioquest antistatic duster if needed.

I've played the records many many times after a good cleaning without having to use the VPI again and just using the Audioquest.

Toolfan66

Thanks for the info, And help SS. There is so much stuff to look at, And trying to figure out what is best is the biggest pain.

hearingimpared

SolidSqual wrote: »

I got this one: http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HW-165P2

It comes with everything to clean records like a champ.

Atta guy!

hearingimpared

SolidSqual wrote: »

I've played the records many many times after a good cleaning without having to use the VPI again and just using the Audioquest.

I'm very anal when it comes to my records so I always give a treated record out of the sleeve a spin on the 16.5, then the static gun, then the dry brush.

That's just me.

wingnut4772

I've had the VPI and it was fine.

SolidSqual

hearingimpared wrote: »

I'm very anal when it comes to my records so I always give a treated record out of the sleeve a spin on the 16.5, then the static gun, then the dry brush.

That's just me.

I've been trying not to become that anal, but I may be heading that way too. The VPI makes it way too convenient to keep your records perfect.

Keiko wrote: »

How is that gruv glide preservative?

I've thought about trying it, but kinda reluctant to use stuff on my vinyl after I've busted my butt getting it clean.

This stuff works wonders on older records. I'm sure it decreases some distortion on newer records as well, but after adding this stuff to my Dad's old LPs after a good VPI cleaning there's a major decrease in pops and snaps than if I didn't add it.

krankwald

hearingimpared wrote: »

Atta guy!

Probably an obvious one here, but how do you change the cork mat that ships with the VPI? It's stuck to the wooden platter. I have a clean rubber record mat I put down after the first side is cleaned, but that really changes the height with respect to the pickup tube and suction...or maybe I'm worrying too much

SolidSqual

krankwald wrote: »

Probably an obvious one here, but how do you change the cork mat that ships with the VPI? It's stuck to the wooden platter. I have a clean rubber record mat I put down after the first side is cleaned, but that really changes the height with respect to the pickup tube and suction...or maybe I'm worrying too much

THe mat is on there like a sticker. I just put a clean mat over the dirty one (without removing the paper over the sticky backing) and remove it when I go back to dirty records. The cleaning head is spring action and adjust to the height automatically with the force of the suction. I see no harm or compromised cleaning results.

SolidSqual

http://blog.stereophile.com/stephenmejias/052908cleaning/

VPI 16.5 - Record Cleaning Steps:

1. Rotate the vacuum tube clockwise, so that it points toward the back of the machine. Remove the record clamp from the spindle, and place your disgustingly filthy record on the cork mat. (Actually, VPI recommends that you pre-clean heavily soiled records with a damp sponge in order to preserve the life of the vacuum pickup tube.)

2. Secure the record by tightening the record clamp on the spindle. The record should be firmly secured. But don't go crazy. As long as the record is held down and in place, you'll be fine. (On one occasion, I failed to sufficiently tighten the clamp. During a revolution with the vacuum engaged, the loose record became slightly elevated from its starting position and worked itself up against the vacuum pickup tube. The platter stopped spinning immediately. Thanks to the tube's velvet lining, the record suffered no damage. Lesson learned. However, stopping the turntable with the vacuum running can damage the machine, so do be careful.)

3. With the record clamped in place, hit the turntable switch. You will feel strangely satisfied. The record will spin. As it does, squirt some fluid onto it, being careful not to get any fluid on the record label. (It's easy! You'll get the hang of it in no time. Well, maybe in a little time.)

4. Use the brush of your choice to spread the fluid so that the entire grooved area of the record is nicely coated. More satisfaction. (It's kind of like spreading tomato sauce on pizza dough. Or painting a fence, or waxing the car, or sand da floor. Again, you'll totally get used to it, no problem, Daniel-san.)

5. Scrub that dirty record! Don't be afraid. The bristles of the VPI brush won't damage the record, and the 16.5 uses an 18RPM motor, capable of withstanding some heavy-duty scrub-a-dub-dubbing.

6. Once you've given your record a good scrub-down, rotate the vacuum tube counterclockwise, so that it rests over the record and points directly toward the spindle.

7. Here comes the really fun part: Hit the vacuum switch! Again, the satisfaction. (People, in past reviews, have made a big deal about the sound of the VPI's vacuum. They say it's noisy. Very, very noisy. I was expecting jets over Shea Stadium or ambulances down Newark Avenue, but it was nothing like that at all. The VPI's vacuum sounds like a vacuum.) Watch as the vacuum tube lowers, locks into position, and starts sucking up all that fluid and dirt. (VPI recommends two full revolutions to ensure complete drying of the record surface. I set my sights on a landmark, such as the record label's logo, and watch as it passes the vacuum tube for two revolutions. On one mind-altering occasion, I went with three revolutions simply because I was hypnotized by the orange gleam of the Warner Bros. logo against the olive green record label. No harm done, but two revolutions would have been fine. VPI does warn, however, that excess vacuuming will lead to static build-up, which, in turn, will attract more dust to your clean record. So, don't get hypnotized.)

8. Turn off the vacuum. (Important: Always turn off the vacuum before turning off the turntable. Again, allowing the vacuum to work over an idle record can harm both the record and the machine.) Things will quiet down, and the vacuum tube will pop up like a slice of bread from the toaster.

9. Turn off the turntable.

10. Move the vacuum tube back to its rear-facing position. Unscrew the record clamp, and remove your record. Admire it. Tell it soft, sweet things. It looks so lovely and new! Repeat the entire procedure on the other side of the record. Relive the joy! (For advanced users: When cleaning any record, Michael Fremer places a second mat atop the VPI's cork mat. He secures his dirty record on this extra mat. Once the first side of the record is clean, he removes the extra mat and happily places the newly-clean side of his record atop the cork mat. This is smart. Using this method, a clean record has less of a chance to come into contact with old dirt.)

Once you get used to it, cleaning a record may take no more than a couple of minutes. Of course, the time necessary depends on the condition of the record. Extra-dirty records will require more time. The process is easy-peasy and truly satisfying—a valuable bonding experience between you and your soulful possession. After you've revitalized your prized record with a good scrubbing, you can fit it with attractive, new inner and outer sleeves. Now it's really ready for a night out on the town. I mean, on the turntable. Your finished album is re-born and all your own, ready to be played, enjoyed, and admired. Love it.

Love it!

hearingimpared

SolidSqual wrote: »

THe mat is on there like a sticker. I just put a clean mat over the dirty one (without removing the paper over the sticky backing) and remove it when I go back to dirty records. The cleaning head is spring action and adjust to the height automatically with the force of the suction. I see no harm or compromised cleaning results.

Same here.

hearingimpared

SolidSqual wrote: »

http://blog.stereophile.com/stephenmejias/052908cleaning/

VPI 16.5 - Record Cleaning Steps:


7. Here comes the really fun part: Hit the vacuum switch! Again, the satisfaction. (People, in past reviews, have made a big deal about the sound of the VPI's vacuum. They say it's noisy. Very, very noisy. I was expecting jets over Shea Stadium or ambulances down Newark Avenue, but it was nothing like that at all. The VPI's vacuum sounds like a vacuum.) Watch as the vacuum tube lowers, locks into position, and starts sucking up all that fluid and dirt. (VPI recommends two full revolutions to ensure complete drying of the record surface. I set my sights on a landmark, such as the record label's logo, and watch as it passes the vacuum tube for two revolutions. On one mind-altering occasion, I went with three revolutions simply because I was hypnotized by the orange gleam of the Warner Bros. logo against the olive green record label. No harm done, but two revolutions would have been fine. VPI does warn, however, that excess vacuuming will lead to static build-up, which, in turn, will attract more dust to your clean record. So, don't get hypnotized.)

Love it!

Nice write up SS.

As I've said before, I am pretty heavy handed with the fluid and scrubbing therefore I have to let the record spin with the vacuum on three or four revolutions to make sure it is dry. I then immediately zap it with the anti-static gun.

Having a second cork mat for the side just cleaned is a must.

SolidSqual

hearingimpared wrote: »

Nice write up SS.

As I've said before, I am pretty heavy handed with the fluid and scrubbing therefore I have to let the record spin with the vacuum on three or four revolutions to make sure it is dry. I then immediately zap it with the anti-static gun.

Having a second cork mat for the side just cleaned is a must.

I can't take credit for the write up (see link), but it is informative to at least have the steps in front of you.

hearingimpared

Well thanks for posting the info and link for the guys new to the 16.5.

SolidSqual

hearingimpared wrote: »

Well thanks for posting the info and link for the guys new to the 16.5.

I just learned a guy I know uses TWO VPI cleaners. One for the clean platter and one for the dirty platter. Yes, he's nuts and one of his interconnects cost more than 4 times a 16.5.

Something interesting, he didn't go with the higher end VPIs because he didn't think they cleaned much better and he likes being a part of the process. I guess that's all relative though. His vinyl was pretty immaculate to begin with.

hearingimpared

SolidSqual wrote: »

I just learned a guy I know uses TWO VPI cleaners. One for the clean platter and one for the dirty platter. Yes, he's nuts and one of his interconnects cost more than 4 times a 16.5.

Something interesting, he didn't go with the higher end VPIs because he didn't think they cleaned much better and he likes being a part of the process. I guess that's all relative though. His vinyl was pretty immaculate to begin with.

Wow I thought I needed theray for my vinyl cleaning method. He's really got the bug.

miner

I bought a used NG 2.5Fi for $125, spent $95 for NG to refurbish. For $210 I got a 'new' used RCM. I hand scrub first using DD fluids and brushes then use the RCM to finalize the process.

krankwald

SolidSqual wrote: »

I can't take credit for the write up (see link), but it is informative to at least have the steps in front of you.

Thank you for the post - extremely informative for a VPI newbie like myself. My MFSL Super Deep Cleaner and Super Record Wash came today, as well as a MFSL brush. Used the VPI brush for the Deep Cleaner and the MFSL for the Wash, as recommended by Joe. Also used my aforementioned rubber mat for the clean side. Seems to work quite well.

The other night I must have not tightened the spindle collar enough and the vacuum wand pulled the record off the platter, which stopped spinning - not good! That's why I questioned my "two mat" approach..

hearingimpared

krankwald wrote: »

The other night I must have not tightened the spindle collar enough and the vacuum wand pulled the record off the platter, which stopped spinning - not good! That's why I questioned my "two mat" approach..

I've done that a few times it really is no biggy as long as the velvet is what is touching the record.

thsmith

What would you recommend for a good low cost RCM, under $200 ?

Thanks,

SolidSqual

thsmith wrote: »

What would you recommend for a good low cost RCM, under $200 ?

Thanks,

Your only options would be on the used market. You might be able to snag something from nitty gritty at that price. Check A'gon.

hearingimpared

+1 on that.

thsmith

Thanks, looking at the VPI 16.5 there seems to be a few used ones for sale. Granted they are more than $200.

Anything to be aware of buying these machines used?

What expected additional cost will be required(supplies for one)