Record Cleaning Machines

I have had all of these machines and presently use the Loricraft. It maybe that the Keith Monks cleaner was better than the Loricraft, but it took up too much room and took too long. I never compared it side by side with the Loricraft, but I suspect they are about equal. The key benefit to either is the string around which the vacuum draws. It is changed for each record and thus any foreign matter moves on rather than scratching your record.

In direct comparison with the VPI 14.5, I found recleaning with the Loricraft after first cleaning with the VPI resulted in noticably lower popping and generally cleaner sound. I have totally revitalized many old records bought on Ebay using the Loricraft. Mine will never leave, but I continue to experiment with cleaning fluids and brushes. I am back to the provided nylon brush presently and continue to use the AudioTop vinyl system.

Kftool, I think the outlines of what you need to consider are here. There are inexpensive cleaners that work and more expensive units that work better. I have had five cleaner starting with the Keith Monk's machine years ago, two VPIs, one Nitty Griddy, and presently the LoriCraft. This final machine cleans best and is reliable. Cleaning fluids are also important. Here I strongly prefer the L'art du Son.

Good luck and sorry about your loss of a friend.