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Frustrated with Vinly

Hey All,

Just coming here to let out out my frustration with Vinyl. I know that Vinyl takes patience but it's frustrating when playing some of my newer records and they have noises that I do not want to hear. Meaning, I try to clean them and they still have noise (pops, crackles, etc). When playing at low volumes of course you do not hear as much but when I turn up the volume is when it gets irritating. 

I can understand if older vinyl would sound like this but these are my newer records that I bought (amazon or barnes and nobles).

Now, I know the products that I am using are probably not great in the first place and I will probably need to upgrade to some more serious cleaner).

Currently trying to use a combo of: Kaiu Vinyl record cleaning set and I have also tried the Audio Technica AT6012 Record Care Kit.

So now I am considering either a Spin Clean type system or Pro-Ject  VC-S2 ALU Type cleaning system.

Any suggestions?

I almost want to give up on Vinyl sometimes and stick to digital (cd, hi res files, qobuz streaming).

Current equipment: denon dp-300f w/2m blue cart.

Thanks

Jay
128x128jay73
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
It is really strange than someone need to clean a NEW records, especially with some expensive cleaning machines and stuff like that. This method for a NEW records is a waste of time. When a NEW record is visually clean then all you need is to use carbon fiber brush to clean from dust before you play each side and it should be fine.

Even for a 40 year old vintage vinyl this simple method is enough (and very cheap). Audiophiles always crazy about everything, the best way to avoid all these is to buy records in perfect condition.

Playing records must be fun and it shouldn't be difficult process, not every music lover is an audiophile and some process described above is definitely not for everyone, not necessary ritual. 

Some pressing is just bad and you can't do anything about it with all the cleaning etc.
Original records always better than reissues (with some exceptions). 

You need a proper cartridge, tonearm and turntable to start with. 
Cartridge and its stylus profile is probably the most important.  

austinstereo's avatar
austinstereo
61 posts
 
I don't think recording cleaning is the issue.  Especially with new records.  A better turntable will yield greater dynamics, effectively pushing the noise floor down.  A Rega PL2 would no doubt be a significant upgrade.  A PL3 or SOTA would be a big jump over the Denon.  
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,379 posts
 
@jay73 Since you asked earlier, the Spin Clean is very effective for the price.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
I am afraid it is simply NOT TRUE that all any NEW record needs is a quick brush with a carbon fiber brush, sorry.

Take a look at any new record under a microscope and I think you would be shocked at the debris you see on  a lot of "regular" new records, only if you step up to the specialist audiophile pressings might you get away with not cleaning a new record.

I bought a number in the Barnes & Noble 50% off sale and first thing I did was US clean them all.

It is unfortunately a sad reality, not an urban myth.

Older perfect releases should be much better but of course then you are in the hands of the seller as to whether their description is valid and no even buying at an LRS and eyeballing them yourself is just NOT going to tell you if it needs a deep clean at all.

I am pretty good by visual but not that good and all my records now get a US clean before playing.

I realise that regime is not for everybody who just wants to play music but again it is a reality.
jsbail
368 posts
 
Cleaning makes a big difference. I like to go to yard sales and flea markets in search of vinyl treasures. About half my collection of 2500 +- albums were obtained this way. I clean them with a Nitty Gritty with Disc Doctor solution, then rinse with distilled water. Sometimes a record is noisy so I clean it again, giving it a good scrub with a record brush. They almost always play quiet after that.
Even records with visible scuffs play fairly quiet. I can hear a little crackle between songs and an very occasional pop but not enough to make me want to listen to a CD. My system is not to fancy. You also need clean your stylus often.
Original Spacedeck, Space Arm
Sonic Frontiers SFP1
Dynavector DV 20XL 
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