Hello Randy,
I use an old Geneva Audio/Video Tape Eraser which I originally bought through an audio dealer to demagnetize CD's in the early 90's. I think it was originally designed to erase VHS tapes. It cost about $80 back then and I now use in it a circular motion on each side to demagnetize LP's. It works great resulting in a quieter noise floor. It is much cheaper than the $2K Furutech? device, which may be more effective, though I don't know if the Geneva is still available. Geneva Group, Model #PF-215, made in the USA. |
I owned the VPI 16.5 and now own a Loricraft PRC4 Deluxe. There is no comparison. The combination of the 3 step AI solutions plus a 4th final rinse step and the point source nozzle produces extremely clean records. I hear things (details, dynamics, extension) that I previously got only by upgrading equipment. I spend 20 min. per side, but it is well worth it to me. YMMV. I dare say the improvement is similar to the one I got when I upgraded my cartridge from a nice $1500 one to my Airtight PC-1. Listening to very clean LP's has been a revelation.
I have never tried a machine from Clearaudio so can't comment on how effective it is. The shorter cleaning time sounds nice. |
Dan and Doug,
Do you guys demag your LP's once only or do you notice additional demags are needed over time? Could it be like the Cardas Frequency Sweep I use for my cartridge every week or two but less often?
We could start a separate Demag thread and really raise some eyebrows. |
I've seen Dougdeacon use his Loricraft PRC3 and heard the results. It's one of the reasons I bought my PRC4 and why I also use the AIVS four-step solutions. His post above is right on the mark. |
Syntax, That photo makes me want to trade in my PRC4.
Dan_ed, Is that stack of LP's not there because those of us with expensive machines don't have any money left over to buy more LP's or is it not there because some machines like the wand vacuum types are so much faster than your DIY cleaning regiment that owners have already gone through their stacks of dirty records and there is no time for a backload to build up? :^)
I just talked to a guy who has the automatic Audiodesk machine who did 100 LP's in an 8-hour marathon session last weekend. It has taken me three months to do 100 LP's so I have quite a stack built up but my wife won't allow it in the LR so it's hidden away. |
Hello Dan,
Right you are. My PRC4 with the AIVS 4-step (two rinse) process takes 20-25 minutes per side. I follow this with a demag and new inner and outer sleeves. I think Dougdeacon spends about the same time per side with his PRC3.
V e r y s l o w g o i n g. But the results are fantastic. As Doug says, it's about the added involvement one experiences from the increased information being extracted from the grooves. There is a lot worse than a backlog of unclean records stacked in a corner. As I tell my friends who express an interest in LP's...."Analog is a commitment." |
Yes, I agree. I demag up on my third floor, two floors away from the cartridge, speaker magnets etc. The device picks up the screws under my wood floor and buzzes. Scary stuff, but this is a crazy hobby at times.
A demag party sounds fun. |
Dan,
Your report rings sad but true in my experience. I soak new and used but fairly clean LPs for 10-15 min. with the AIVS enzyme cleaner that Doug uses and I'm astounded with the improvement in clarity and dynamics. I have done this demo for two audio buddies and they, too, heard the dramatic effect. I'm afraid it takes time to soak and clean LPs.
To be fair, I have not done a controlled experiment with many cleaners and a wand-type vacuum versus my Loricraft, but I can say the AIVS/Loricraft combo is certainly more effective than my old L'Art du Son/VPI16.5 combo. |
Mark,
I was not aware of the AVIS #15. Is it used before the enzyme soak or instead of it? How would you describe one versus the other?
Regarding your stance that the VPI 16.5 with the 4-step AVIS gives better results than a "$4000 Loricraft ...with lesser cleaners" I have no doubt. I'm curious to know if, given the use of the AVIS cleaners, which type of RCM - wand type vs. point nozzle - works better. I have not made a direct comparison, but I would gues that the Loricraft would outperform the VPI 16.5 in absolute terms. Time, effort and cost are another matter.
I, too, am most appreciative for the information I have learned from reading Doug Deacon's many posts about analog, including the Magic Eraser discovery. |
Congratulations, Dev. I have the PRC4 in cherry. It's a great machine, but my stack of uncleaned LPs is growing because I spend all my time listening and not cleaning. One word of caution: if you follow the advice in the manual and suck up one spoonful of alcohol at the end of each cleaning session to keep the tubes clean, beware of dripping the alcohol on the record mat. I found that the chemicals in the AVIS or the alcohol turns the black mat slightly lighter. Mine is now very uneven in color, but the functionality is unchanged. |
