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Vinyl foibles

I'd like to make this a space to ask questions about vinyl problems you're having trouble solving. I have a lot of questions, but I think it's better if we ask one at a time, or else I think we could have long lists.

Here is my first question. I have a Degritter album washer. I think it works great. I wash all my albums once, but not before I play them again and again.  Somehow, though, and this includes new albums no one else has ever touched, they pick up ticks and what sounds like scratches. I rewash the album and it sounds like new again. I only touch albums by their edges. How do inner bands become so dirty that sometimes a smudge can last a minute or more?  I've been playing vinyl albums for more years than many of you have lived, and I have learned to be very careful with vinyl. Are there vinyl gremlins haunting my album shelves?

audio-b-dog
billstevenson
1,183 posts
 

I strongly suggest your get a Furutech.  I just refurbished my VPI HW-19 MKIII along with the HW-17, both bought new in 1986.  They still do excellent service for me at our NH home, from which we just returned.  In my main system I have an HW-40 and a recently acquired MW-1 cyclone.  

audio-b-dog's avatar
audio-b-dog OP
798 posts
 

@billstevenson 

I will look into the Furutech. My accountant says my stereo open to buy is closed for a while, but I'll put it on my list. This year I've purchased new Sonus Faber Olympica Nova speaakers, a Moon 280D streamer, and the phono preamp. Thanks for the suggestion.

audio-b-dog's avatar
audio-b-dog OP
798 posts
 

@billstevenson 

I looked it up. It's an electrical receptacle, right?

rsf507
2,577 posts
 

I've used the Furutech DeStat static charge remover, and yes, it works for maybe 1-2 songs on each side; then you have to re-zap the album, which is a HUGE pain. I sold it, and personally, I don't recommend it. YMMV

audio-b-dog's avatar
audio-b-dog OP
798 posts
 

@billstevenson @rsf507 

I haven't learned how to use my static gun. I have an anti-static brush I used when I put a record on, It also sweeps off dust. I don't know if I really hear static coming through my speakers. I don't really know what to listen for.

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