Loricraft Record Cleaning

I'll second the Clearaudio recommendation, if you can't afford the double matrix then look at the Smart Double matrix (about half the cost) where all you do is squeeze the fluid bottle to float fluid on the recond on both sides is a dream, plus since it does both sides at once it can clean and fully dry a warped record like the Loricraft. The Smart Double matrix is quieter than the VPI 17 with the top down, so it's very nice to use, the VPI 16.5 sounded like I was vacuuming the house, definitely not relaxing between record plays, and you don't have to deal with an extra cork mat to prevent from contaminating the other clean side on the dirty cork when you flip the cleaned side down on a most RCM's. Plus the Cool grounded carbon brush removes the static from the album on the Clearaudio.

Pkubica: What all the rush ? If having a clean recording is what you are truly after, why not spend just a few $$ on a Hand Held Steam Cleaning Unit and some micro-cloths , follow the steam cleaning thread and enjoy the discovery.

Should you believe that your records can not be cleaned without a RCM ,than by all means buy one. Just keep in mind that even Terry O'Sullivan , owner of Loricraft, was impressed by my demo of steam cleaning given to he and his staff a few years ago following the CES.

Initially, we had discussed the possibility of merging the two applications but nothing came of those discussions. So, do what you like but please try a steam cleaning. All the Best

I've had a Clearaudio Matrix since they first came out some years ago and wouldn't even consider another rcm. Three of my 'phile friends were so impressed with mine that they too purchased the Matrix.

As for the Double Matrix, I saw it demonstrated at CES a few years back when it was introduced but I didn't like the idea of not being able to see the underside of the lp as it's being cleaned. Actually, the Matrix is already quite fast, waaay faster than any Loricraft, so cleaning one side at a time is not that big a deal.

Yah, the Matrix is a bit noisy but big freakin' deal. It's only noisy when you turn on the vacuum but you can sure tell from the sound it's sucking every last bit of fluid and crud out of the grooves.

They're also extremely well built and you don't have to worry about over-heating if you decide to spend an afternoon cleaning records. You can't say that about the VPI's.

Lastly, none of the Clearaudio rcm's are cheap, especially with the value of the dollar dropping compared to the Euro, but in my mind it's the one to beat.

Rfogel8: On the lower end Smart Double Matrix, they put a mirror below the record so you can see the other side with a little side lighting while it cleans. And you don't have to worry about too much vaccuming (more than 2 spins on a VPI generates a lot of static, whereas the Smart Double Matrix has the the grounded carbon brushes to remove the static after vacuuming.

Cytocycle, I've been going to CES for many years and always make it a point to check out all the toys in the Musical Surroundings rooms. This year I again looked at the Double Matrix while chatting with one of Garth's reps. I specifically asked him about the carbon brush you mention and also got current pricing.

Even though there's a mirror and light, it's still difficult to clearly see what's going on. Besides, you're going from $3600 for the standard Matrix, which is a killer machine, to $5200 for the Double Matrix. I'm not so lazy that I can't clean one side at a time plus I'd rather take that extra $1600 and spend it on vinyl.

As for the carbon brush, I really don't see the need. I've had my Matrix 5 or 6 years and NEVER had a problem with static after cleaning a record. Neither have any of my three friends who own the same machine.

All these little add-ons and so called improvements do nothing to make your records any cleaner but they certainly give Clearaudio another excuse to raise their prices which they frequently do.