Turntable advice

Discussion in 'Vinyl Nutjob World: Turntable and Related Gear' started by Falcor, Oct 10, 2015.

  1. LetMeBeFrank

    LetMeBeFrank Won't tell anyone my name is actually Francis

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    Update on my cleaning method.

    I purchased some 99% iso (up from 91%) and some cleaning cloths from Spin-Clean to replace the micro-fibers I had been using, which were still leaving a ton of lint on the record. Other than some longer strands these towels appear to leave nothing behind, which is fantastic.

    I think my new method is going to work for a while until I buy a real cleaning machine.
     
  2. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I bought a VPI cleaning machine from @brencho and it was the best thing ever. Most of my records have been around for a while with trashed covers and falling-apart sleeves. Nice to hear what I thought were trashed Bonnie Raitt records as nearly new.
     
  3. LetMeBeFrank

    LetMeBeFrank Won't tell anyone my name is actually Francis

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    Yeah that thing looks incredible. I'll probably try to rig up something similar DIY eventually since I'm a cheap bastid. I like the idea of suction to remove the debris from the records.
     
  4. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    I bought a VPI 16.5 cleaner almost 25 years ago. I sold it to a close friend when I got out of vinyl in the late 90's. He has used the thing nearly everyday since then and it has worked flawlessly. I was always shocked by how it cleaned up records from my childhood and garage sales that looked kinda scary. If I ever got back into vinyl I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. I'd rather have a $200 cartridge and a record cleaner than spending the combined amount on a better cartridge.
     
  5. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    I am sure all of us could go way into cleaning methods and formulas on record cleaning.

    I am honestly still wondering about that Groovemaster Label Saver Record Cleaner. Just give them a quick rinse in the sink. Although the Record Doctor V is only $200 and has a built in vacuum. I wish they still sold the $100 one that you can use your own ShopVac.

    Until then, for myself, just using an old Discwasher and a carbon fiber brush.
     
  6. Pogo

    Pogo Friend

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    If you're not using a vacuum you're kidding yourself and killing your vinyl. It's that simple. Used just a D3 system for 2 decades, kicking my own ass now for the current condition of my lp's from the 70's and 80's, I use a record doctor now but it's too late to fully restore many of the first pressings from back then.
    Ignorance was bliss and poverty sucks at any age.
     
  7. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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    If poverty sucks then you don't need a vacuum!
     
  8. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    This is with vacuum only:

    Distilled water - 3 parts
    Isopropyl alcohol 99% - 1 part
    Clear dishwater soap - 1 DROP

    BTW, this is next to useless: https://www.needledoctor.com/Spin-Clean-Record-Washer
    Better to save up and get something that works.
     
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2018
  9. luckybaer

    luckybaer Friend

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    I've got a Spin Clean, and it gets me about 70% of the way there - according to my inner OCD meter. I'm trying to decide on the best way to move to a vacuum-based method.
     
  10. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    LOL, my experience was that my Spin Clean was about 20% as effective and 10% as fast compared the VPI vacuum unit - this keeping in mind I've had some of my records since the 70s. I really did not enjoy dealing with the stacks of fine microfiber cloths, laying them out, washing them clean, etc. I also destroyed one record by accident with the Spin Clean. It's a little awkward inserting the record between the two brushes and on the rollers.
     
  11. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    Surprised you don't use a surfactant. I guess dishwasher soap has some surfactant qualities.

    I think I read once you don't want a surfactant unless you are using a vaccum machine.

    I use 1 part distilled water, 1 part eye glasses cleaner with a Discwaher brush. I found the eyeglass cleaner alone is too much soap and alcohol. So much easier and cheaper than off rhe shelf record cleaners or mixing your own. I just refil the tiny spay bottle.

    My next vinyl upgrade is going to be RCM.
     
  12. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    I don’t remember the exact recipe, but as a former photography nerd, one version of cleaning solution involved using photo-flo. I’m not sure how available it is to get since everyone does digital these days, but a bottle of photo-flo used to be cheap and would last through many gallons of cleaner. I think the solution involved distilled water, high purity isopropyl alcohol, and a cap full of photo-flo.
     
  13. luckybaer

    luckybaer Friend

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    I'm looking into vacuum-style cleaners. Where I put it, is it storable, is it self-contained, etc. - all things I'm considering. I took a look at Nitty-Gritty, but man... that's a lot of $$ for something I only use when I first acquire an LP. My thrifty side is definitely clashing with my OCD "do it right" side.
     
  14. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    Nitty-Gritty cheap? lol. Maybe if you buy used. Nitty Gritty and VPI machines are pricey.

    The Record Doctor V is only $199 from Amazon:

    https://www.amazon.com/Record-Doctor-Cleaning-Machine/dp/B00BEIC3DO/

    I believe they even use the same mounting and felt strips.
     
  15. luckybaer

    luckybaer Friend

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    "I took a look at Nitty-Gritty, but man... that's a lot of $$ for something I only use when I first acquire an LP."

    I know! Those Nitty-Gritty things are big bucks! I was looking at a KAB EV-1 as a lower-priced alternative. That Record Doctor looks like a good alternative, too.
     
  16. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    If you buy a wet/vacuum cleaning system, you'll want to use it more than to just clean up visibly dirty records. Many will use them either before every play, or at least every couple of plays. So let your OCD dominate on this aspect. You'll get your moneys worth since it will be used regularly. I don't have any experience with the Nitty Gritty, but the VPI is a solid investment. You might even be able to find one used.
     
  17. luckybaer

    luckybaer Friend

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    I just checked out the VPI HW 16-5, and it is priced reasonably - especially in light of how much I've spent on my system and on my vinyl - and it looks pretty easy to use. I'm leaning towards treating myself to a VPI (or a similar contraption) in the near future. Possibly even before Christmas.

    Sadly, my OCD is really kicking in, and I'm wondering if the extra $500 for the VPI MW-1 Cyclone would be money well spent. $699 for the VPI HW 16-5 vs. $1,199 for the Cyclone. Clockwise AND counter-clockwise cleaning... hmm...
     
    Last edited: Dec 10, 2018
  18. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    I can't really comment on the benefits of a cleaner that goes both directions as I've never used one. I just know that the 16.5 does a great job and you'll likely be very happy with that. After you apply the solution to the record you can (and will) scrub in the opposite rotation direction with the brush, so I'm doubting there would be a significant benefit to the Cyclone in that regard. I'd probably spend the extra $500 elsewhere.
     
  19. luckybaer

    luckybaer Friend

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    Point taken.

    I read the Cyclone was 20dB quieter than 16.5, that its housing is made of aluminum - not MDF, and that the dust cover on Cyclone lifts off - it isn’t hinged.

    20dB quieter is sizeable amount, no?

    Regardless... whichever way I go, I think I’ll get my money’s worth.

    *****UPDATE: Purchased a VPI MW-1 Cyclone Record Cleaning Machine as a present to me.
     
    Last edited: Dec 10, 2018
  20. Pogo

    Pogo Friend

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    Good on yer, please let us know what you think.
    Now,back to your OCD; how do you clean your stylus?
     

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