I finally got a record cleaning machine. First thoughts.

@mr_m ​​@ghdprentice , please look at the picture of the brush on my system page.

You will notice that I slide the little weight all the way to the front the I decreased the VTA by bending the arm just behind the weight so that the brush is almost vertical. This improves both tracking and dust pick up. If the arm stops tracking it need to be cleaned. Alcohol and a clean microfiber cloth will do it. Also you should be able t drop it from an altitude of one inch during play without hearing a thing through the speakers. If you hear a thump you have a problem with record damping/clamping. You not hear ANYTHING even with the volume all the way up.

I have been using this particular brush for some 10 odd years and have been using one conductive sweep arm or another since 1980 or so. This one absolutely works the best even though it is not exactly audiophile jewelry. I have used every singe one on the market including one that costs over $200 and this one works better. (or I would not be using it) 

@mijostyn 

As I was reading this thread, you were talking about your newly cleaned records no longer holding a static charge.  

When you first discovered this phenomenon, you were going to try a series of eliminations to determine what may be the cause of this.

You mentioned that you would first try cleaning the record with only distilled water on your new machine to see if the static would be eliminated.  I'm curious if you tried this test and what the result was.

Secondly, are you still happy with the Clearaudio Double Matrix Pro Sonic machine?  Any downsides that you have discovered after using it now for just shy of a year?

My VPI 16.5 has served me well for many years, but I feel that it may becoming tired.. so I am giving thought to the Clearaudio Double Matrix Pro Sonic machine.

Thanks much and best wishes,

Don

@no_regrets , The Clearaudio Double Matrix construction quality is first class. I know because my unit was an open box one that I believe was used in a store. A cleaning solution was used that plugged up the water pump and it died in short order. Musical Surroundings was cool with me installing a new pump which they sent me on warranty. So, I have had my machine apart and know it intimately. 

It works flawlessly but it does have a few quirks. The first is, you really have to press down hard on the clamp when you tighten it or the record will slip when the vacuum comes on. I keep my machine down low to make this easy. You obviously have to be careful what fluid you use. Distilled water will not kill the static permanently. To be safe I would use Clearaudio's solution. My mix is proprietary and not up for disclosure as I am considering marketing it. It does kill static indefinitely leaving only the smallest of residues on the vinyl. You just start to see some on the stylus after 10 sides and should clean the stylus after 20 sides using Lyra's solution. If you will write a review on audiogon I will be happy to send you a gallon. 

In short, the only regret I have is buying mine open box. I have no problem recommending this machine. IMHO it is the best record cleaning device on the market. Musical Surroundings has top notch service. You can not go wrong buying any of their products in terms of support. 

@mijostyn   Thank you so much for your reply.  It's great to hear from an actual user!  I've had my VPI for many years and it has done a fine job.  I'm glad that I've had it all this time.  

However, I feel like it may be getting tired... like the motor may be getting weaker and so I am trying to investigate now, which direction I should go if/when my VPI finally fails.  It may be months or a year or longer if/when that may happen, but I want to be prepared for for when that time comes.  In the meantime, I'll be keeping my eyes open for any possible sales.  Maybe there will be one at AXPONA this year😀

Thanks again!  Oh and yes, when I finally do pull the trigger and if your offer still stands... I'd be happy to take you up on your offer.

Best wishes,

Don

@no_regrets , no problem. It is always good to do your research first instead of after. Just make sure whatever you get has a warranty covered specifically by Musical Surroundings. They are the importer. I got the Double Matrix because I was given a collection of 78s and needed something to clean them. I researched the situation for almost a year before I jumped in. The Double Matrix is my first machine. It does both sides at the same time, it uses fresh fluid for each cleaning and rinses the record 3 times during each cycle, scrubbing the record at something like 1000 Hz in between then vacuums the record dry, putting the waste fluid in a separate tank. The Audio Desk is a tinker toy in comparison. Ultrasonic cleaners do not vacuum the record dry. If anything they use an evaporative method that leaves the dirt on the record. If you use one you have to to get a vacuum machine to dry the record. then you can only dry one side at a time. My fluid, by the way can only be used with machines that vacuum dry the record or you will leave to much of the active ingredient on the record. I have not proven this yet but I think the anti static ingredient also acts a lubricant.  It is very water soluble but if you rub it between your fingers it is very slippery.