It is quite common for solvents sold as spectroscopic-, HPLC-grade, or even higher purity to contain significant levels of contaminants that remain behind after evaporation. These contaminants are detectable in electron or scanning-probe microscopy experiments as nanometer-sized, or larger, background deposits. For critical applications solvents are typically redistilled in an all-glass apparatus shortly before use and may sometimes be stored under nitrogen or argon. I do not know whether trace contamination is contributing to what you are hearing; however, one should be aware that even "highly purified" solvents, including ethanol or isopropanol, are often carriers of impurities.
record cleaning findings/puzzle
Hello Gentlemen,
I have been experimenting today with steam cleaning my records. I am looking for support of my findings.
I used 2 identical records ( as well as others ) one I cleaned with the vpi 16.5 and my homebrew 25% isopropyl(99%), 75% distilled water (pharmacy)
Steps
1.Mo-fi brush one 2-3 cycle with cleaner, vacuum 2 cycle
2.audioquest brush, distilled water rinse 2 cycle, vacuum
3.Play
(The brushes were just ones I had around, I did not pick these for any particular reason)
The other record was cleaned with the same brushes, same method, but I also used the hand held steamer during steps 1 and 2. I kept the steam on the record 2-4 inches away, for duration of scrubbing.
I assume there is a sonic print to my solution, is achohol typically bright/harsh sounding?
Between the 2, at first I found the steamed ones to sound more organic, maybe slightly rolled off in the highs, but just warmer and more detailed everywhere else except the highs.
When I play the Alcohol only, cleaned record the highs are more present/forward, and noticeable, but upon further listening I notice a lack of depth because of it. trick details.
Here's the good part:
I then switched the cleaning methods for both records ( and others as well) and the sonic footprints followed each method onto each record. I did this back and forth 3 times with this pair and four times on another single record.
I am assuming I am hearing my solution, but could the steam somehow be reacting with my brushes and maybe melting them, or leaving something I am hearing on the surface which is damping the highs. At first I thought I wrecked the records, then I started to notice the inner details in the rest of the spectrum other then the highs, and when I added my solution again, the highs came back, now sounding to strong and glaring.
Which is the real sound of this record?
Has anyone else found this too?
Thanks,
Mike
I have been experimenting today with steam cleaning my records. I am looking for support of my findings.
I used 2 identical records ( as well as others ) one I cleaned with the vpi 16.5 and my homebrew 25% isopropyl(99%), 75% distilled water (pharmacy)
Steps
1.Mo-fi brush one 2-3 cycle with cleaner, vacuum 2 cycle
2.audioquest brush, distilled water rinse 2 cycle, vacuum
3.Play
(The brushes were just ones I had around, I did not pick these for any particular reason)
The other record was cleaned with the same brushes, same method, but I also used the hand held steamer during steps 1 and 2. I kept the steam on the record 2-4 inches away, for duration of scrubbing.
I assume there is a sonic print to my solution, is achohol typically bright/harsh sounding?
Between the 2, at first I found the steamed ones to sound more organic, maybe slightly rolled off in the highs, but just warmer and more detailed everywhere else except the highs.
When I play the Alcohol only, cleaned record the highs are more present/forward, and noticeable, but upon further listening I notice a lack of depth because of it. trick details.
Here's the good part:
I then switched the cleaning methods for both records ( and others as well) and the sonic footprints followed each method onto each record. I did this back and forth 3 times with this pair and four times on another single record.
I am assuming I am hearing my solution, but could the steam somehow be reacting with my brushes and maybe melting them, or leaving something I am hearing on the surface which is damping the highs. At first I thought I wrecked the records, then I started to notice the inner details in the rest of the spectrum other then the highs, and when I added my solution again, the highs came back, now sounding to strong and glaring.
Which is the real sound of this record?
Has anyone else found this too?
Thanks,
Mike