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Different Results between Record Cleaning Machines


The last thread on Record Cleaning Machines (RCMs) in 2009 covered the simple to the exotic in machinery.

RCMs haven't changed much since then, but AIVS has released 'Solution 15,' an enzyme cleaning solution, to augment their three bottle cleaning kit.

I have an older VPI RCM (the 16, not the 16.5). After cleaning with AIVS chemistry on my VPI my records, one Warner Brothers (Sweet Baby James), one RCA (Bridge Over Troubled Waters), both from 1970, didn't sound as quiet as the LPs cleaned on my friend's Loricraft using exactly the same chemistry and very similar technique. We noted a couple of things.

First, the stylus collected a *huge* amount of gunk --particularly from what was, at least chemically, a record cleaned with care, and according to AIVS instructions.

Second, after playing a couple of songs, we stopped, cleaned the stylus again, and played once more. The sound was drastically improved. Anyone have experience similar to this?

I'm a little skeptical about using an expensive TT, cartridge and stylus for auxiliary record cleaning.

Was it the 'gunk removal' that led to better sound with the second playback? Was the mold release compound coming off in globs with the needle carving its way down to the sound? Why was so much material caught on the stylus? And why didn't the RCM collect more of it?

Is the answer too obvious?

The VPI's vacuum motor is brand new. The table sounds like its bearings are arthritic when it rotates, but beside that, it turns with considerable torque.

Thanks in advance for any experience you might have about this.

At the moment I'm considering a Loricraft purchase. Anyone have a Lorcraft for sale?

Happy Thanksgiving,
128x128cdk84
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Try this first, before spending big $$$ on a Loricraft..

The Loricraft has another big advantage:
You can use it without Earplugs.
markd51
761 posts
 
No question about that Syntax, simplest way out with a VPI 16.5, acquire a cheap set of headphones like one would use at the Gun Range. And isolate yourself somewhere where you disturb no one else.

My own VPI 16.5, with its mods is pictured on Osage Audio-AIVS's site, under "RCM Museum. Adding a 4" hole in the back of mine, to add a Cooling Fan made the machine even louder yet. And trying Dynamat did nothing but probably add another 5 lbs of weight to an already heavy machine.

Thin blanket insulation lining the inside of cabinet probably would've been more beneficial, but doubtful if the machine's roar would be dropped by more than a few db at best.

About the only solution, would be to totally isolate the vac motor, and relegate it to a seperate cabinet underneath the machine.

As I understand it, some type of highly specialized vacuum motor that would be quiet, will also likely be costly as well.

VPI had to make a number of decisions, to market an affordable machine to the masses (16.5) that had a vac motor that was powerful, yet easily obtainable, and relatively inexpensive.

Thus the vac motors (Ametek-Lamb) are virtually identical to what you'll find in commercial Shop Vacs, or commercial walk behind Floor Scrubbing Machines, and it's why they sound quite similar.
dhcod
706 posts
 
My upgrade from VPI 16 to Loricraft was worth every penny, even buying new. It just brought my system to a new level of quiet. The lower noise floor, even with records that appear to be clean, allows me to listen even deeper into the layers of the music. Especially happy with how the lower noise deepen the front to back soundstage.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
You might check the seals in the vacuum system. Coating each one with a thin layer of Vaseline will stop any vacuum leaks. An old machinist's trick that works on my Loricraft. Should work on other machines too.

I'd trade the speed of a VPI for the "speed" of my Loricraft, lol. Otherwise I concur with Syntax and other users of this elegantly designed machine.
palasr
516 posts
 
In the future, you may want to consider using O-ring lubricant which is silicone based. Vaseline, or any type of petroleum derived product will eventually break down natural rubber seals, gaskets and the like.
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