Purchase a,...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLwmfacmzRM
and then realize that you never ever apply a brush until the record grooves are fully flushed and devoid of hard particles that brushing will grind into/scratch the surface.
DeKay
Some thoughts on record cleaning machines and alternatives
As many of you know I have some experience using record cleaning machines. This is not, repeat NOT, a discussion about what might be the best record cleaning machine. Frankly I neither know nor care. What this is about is the approach that you might take depending on your needs. Let me start by first addressing the types of record collectors that might need to consider a record cleaning machine (RCM).
The audiophile with priority on sound quality
The record collector with priority on the music itself with SQ of secondary importance
Obviously there could be some who are both, but to keep this organized, we'll deal with the two types separately. The audiophile who is after best SQ possible should buy the best editions of recordings of interest and unquestionably will be best served with an ultra sonic RCM. Which one? I dunno. From what I can learn all US machines achieve similar results sonically, but there have been issues with longevity of some brands. I bought a HumminGuru, and one year in of moderate use my machine now needs a new water pump and solenoid valve. Customer support is excellent, but longevity is a question mark. By contrast I have been using VPI machines since 1986 and have never needed anything other than new brushes for scrubbing the records. VPI machines are just about bullet proof.
The record collector, with a collection spanning decades and many old records of variable condition is more likely to be happier with a vacuum machine. These are more suited to removing the grunge, finger prints and what not that old records seem to accumulate. Also, old records usually have small scratches, wear from repeated play, or from being subjected ot an old or worn stylus etc and no RCM can fix those problems anyway. So, the vacuum RCM is just as effective as the US for all practical purposes on old records. Also, if you collect and clean old records in batches, the vacuum RCM is considerably faster in use. For those who value their time the vacuum RCM has added appeal.
Next, I want to mention the fact that not everybody needs a RCM. There are manual washing machines like the Spin Clean or the new EZ Washer from HumminGuru that do a terrific job and are more than adequate for the occasional record cleaning chore. These should also be considered for the US RCM owner who runs into the occasional batch of old, dirty records because the US machines do not do as good a job of scrubbing off things like finger prints. So, a first clean with one of these manual washers, followed by a run through the US RCM makes a lot of sense.
Saving the best for last, for those who want to take a deep dive, I want to recommend Neil Antinn's book, which is available for free on line and is the definitive resource on the subject. Here is the link; thevinylpress.com/precision-aqueous-cleaning-of-vinyl-records-3rd-edition/
I hope this is useful and let me know how you do.
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@seymour-krelborn Your VPI 16.5 is just as effective at cleaning records as even the newest MW-1 Cyclone. The primary difference is in the amount of time it takes to achieve the result. It is true that the MW-1 has a stronger vacuum motor. I find the primary difference is a) it is considerably louder and b) by being able to dry in both directions it dries a little faster. Actually in terms of convenience I prefer my HW-17, which I have had since 1986 and still use daily when we are at our home in NH. If you cannot hear the difference between a new record cleaned on your 16.5 and one cleaned on your German US there are a few possible explanations. I assure you that if everything was 100%, there is a sort of a veil or haze that is removed, quite unmistakable. Anyway, my thoughts are: a) your US RCM is not working properly b) your hearing can't detect it. Either way, I wouldn't worry about it as you seem satisfied with your current regime. @richardbrand I agree with you that modern stylus shapes like Shibata or fine line and the like are effective at bridging over the worn spots on old worn records. Your belief that a good vacuum RCM cannot remove very small particles is incredible. @dekay Thank you for the link to the Groovemaster label saver. That tool facilitates safe record cleaning. Very useful. |
Interesting discussion. I have used a vacuum machine and liked the results along with a spin doctor. I happened on to an Audio Desk Systeme Glass that is ultrasonic, has micro fiber brushes, continuously filters the cleaning solution and air dries the record in about 6 minutes. It does an excellent job. I’m surprised no one has mentioned it. Has anyone that has tried other methods ever compared it to the Audio Desk Systeme Glass? |
I don't buy used records but I do run all my new records through my DeGritter, just because it's so convenient and easy and gets rid of gunk from the pressing plant. I used to have a VPI machine but sold it because I never used it. If it wasn't an Ultrasonic like the DeGritter, I wouldn't even bother cleaning them. |
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