Vinyl Accessories - Skip It or Buy It!

^^^^Yup, got one of those. 

Do you have a dust issue? i.e. forced hot air/ac system, with a supply/return grille causing air flow with dust?

IF so, perhaps a separate fine filter applied to that grille, removable for periodic cleaning.

I always preferred Shure cartridges with attached damped brushes. The brush helps with dust that ’just landed’ before the stylus gets there, and somewhat with static. Also, Shure’s brushes are/were damped, helping it two ways. 1 helps with any warps, 2 helps stylus successfully track at lighter weight.

I am now using a replacement stylus in my Shure V15VxMR body. Jico, SAS, with a brush. However, their brush is NOT damped, just a dust brush, ok, I still like it, but it is good to know the difference, and precision tracking force and anti-skate forces are ’different’ than the calculated .5 gram Shure Damped brush.

I never used them, but I see Pickering and Stanton cartridges have integral brushes (not sure if the brushes are damped).

My first MC cartridge has no brush. OK, but even after deep cleaning of LP, I do find dust on it’s stylus, whereas the Shure on the adjacent arm, I find the dust on the brush.

The brush you posted is impressive looking, a price I would not like, and I don’t have room to mount one anyway, but if you think long, average the cost over years of problem solving, it’s not going to bankrupt you.

i.e. I went thru 2 inexpensive end of play auto lifts before I coughed up the $150. for the Audio Technica one. It is terrific.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT6006R-Safety-Raiser/dp/B07HKX6WL7/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&ke...

However, you need room between your Arm base and the edge of your spinner to mount it (space is reduced by Vintage JVC and Denon direct drives for instance). I can only fit one for my long arm as it's base is further from the spinner's edge.

As for cleaning, I read so much conflicting results that I went all manual, bought a kit with drying rack for 10 lps. batches of 10 at a time is what makes the difference for me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GSSQ1MN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you look at the next to the last photo in this LP listing, you see what I worked out

https://www.ebay.com/itm/George-Harrison/133555126055

my own mix, mostly 91% alcohol, some purchased mix, some jet dry rinsing agent from dishwasher.

lid from Chinese soup container to protect paper label

Scrub with vigor using baby scalp brush.

https://www.amazon.com/Scalp-Scrubbie-Sterile-Cradle-Sponge/dp/B005EJ7YH4/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n...

set up where you can listen to music

@elliottbnewcombjr,

Thank you so much for some wonderful ideas! Now why didn’t I think about air vent filtration :-)

I have a air vent right above my turntable so I am going to try this air filter. Let’s see how effectively they work out in my room.

https://www.amazon.com/Ventilaider-Complete-Electrostatic-Installation-Registers/dp/B07FYGC658/ref=s...

I did explore the spin-clean kit but after watching the video, I wasn’t too thrilled to see all the work involved. So I need make a choice, either I save money and do all the work with spin-clean or buy one those ultra automated cleaning machines.

Since i own SME Model 15, I am limited on what I can mount on my TT plinth. So gadgets like Audio Technica lifter and Integrity Tru-Sweep Anti-Static Dust Cleaner poses some installation challenges.

"I did explore the spin-clean kit but after watching the video, I wasn’t too thrilled to see all the work involved."

If you're playing used LP's, US is the way to go. New album, a Spin Clean could work for just a little refresh. I use one, going on 10 years. I don't buy new LP's, and just am picky about what I get from the bins. The Spin Clean does fine for what it is. I've taken Spin Cleaned LP's to shows and demo room uber systems, and they sound fine. It's not a big deal regarding the process. I don't use fancy distilled water or expensive "special" LP cleaning solutions.

I just haven't found a US machine at a price I want to pay-yet. I want one that's turnkey, like the AudioDesk. Just not for $3-4K

Based on your setup in your profile, I wouldn't bother with anything BUT a US machine.

Consider a used VPI or that Project unit if you're not ready to take the plunge for a US machine. 

Starting off with good LP's and being mindful handling them, obviously is paramount.