new vs. used vinyl, pops and clicks.

I believe that a record cleaning machine (RCM) is an absolute must. Even brand new records benefit substantially by removing their mold release compound. It doesn't need to be expensive -- I've used a <$200 Record Doctor (Nitty Gritty makes it) from Audio Advisor for many years, and DIY approaches are even cheaper. But using an RCM with something like the Audio Intelligent Vinyl Solutions (AIVS) or RRL products can make an amazing difference. I've brought many thrift store purchase back from the dead. You can too. Good luck, Dave

It's pointless to make a significant investment in
a turntable/arm/cartridge and vinyl without purchasing
a record cleaning machine. I use a VPI 16.5 but there
are others equally as good. I use Disc Doctor cleaning
solution and record brushes. You're losing >50% of the
music without a cleaning machine.

Ejlif-

Your question is a good one. With used vinyl records..it is often not easy and sometimes there is no way of telling without playing them , as to the condition and wheather there will be ticks and pops along the way.

If it looks scratched and dirty..it will most likely play that way. But Looking at a record that seems pristine can be deceiving as there may be groove wall damage from repeated plays..especially if the records were never cleaned properly.

I have had records that didn't look great, actually play quiet after a good cleaning...and conversley, had relatively new records play with some ticks and pops that looked pristine.

The point is that you definately need a cleaning machine of some sort that has a vacuum fluid lift. Just dry brushing will not get into the groove to remove the dirt, and it may even make things worse, by pushing the dirt deeper into the groove walls.

A good RCM like your 16.5 is a must, and even with that and a good fluid/brush system..may take repeated cleanings to get some records quiet. Some records however, may never be able to get completely quiet due to permanent damage of the groove no matter how well cleaned. Those you will have to either live with...or not play if they are too annoying.

When I buy used records, I make a point to look before I purchase to at least see its outward condition, and try not to spend too much. Buying new, is much safer and more satisfying, but I also clean those before play so as to remove any mold compounds that may actually be detrimental if not removed before playing.

I like the VPI 16.5 also. Use a good quality fluid and brush system, like Disc Doctor brushes and RRL fluids to name some. I have found these to work great.
BTW..congratulations on your recent TT set up. You have a nice system to start off with! I recently had a friend over to set up his Nottingham Space Deck/Ace arm and Whest Phono..it all sounded excellent with his ZYX Airy3 cart. Best of luck with all your analog! -Ken

All of the above posts are giving accurate advice. I have purchased hundreds of used lp's in the last two years, averaging probably $3.00 a copy. After cleaning them with a Nitty Gritty machine, very, very few have any annoying tics or pops that intrude on listening. Just inspect before buying and avoid the scratched ones.