best fluid for vpi 16.5 cleaner non-vpi brand?

Audiohifila, let us know how your cleaning ventures go with the VPI 16.5 and the new cleaning fluids! Congratulations on getting started!

Sonofjim,

For spreading the enzyme mix almost any brush that doesn't contain natural fibers will work. I use an Audioquest carbon fiber brush, but the cheapie Last brushes or even a painting pad/brush both work *almost* as well. A DD/MoFi brush is probably overkill. You have to apply enough enzyme solution to prevent the LP drying out during the soak phase, and a DD/MoFi brush would absorb/waste alot of fluid.

DD/MoFi brushes are fine for steps after the enzyme solution but before the final rinse(s) with ultra pure water. I use my DD brushes for those steps. Install new pads to avoid contamination from your old fluids of course.

For the final water rinse(s) I much prefer Audioquest CF brushes. The tiny fibers help force the water deep into the grooves and they don't hold much fluid, so you don't waste much. Also, the fibers start clumping together when the brush begins to get dirty, an early warning sign that it's time to rinse the brush (with some of the ultra pure water, *nothing* else). The purity of the last rinse (or two) is very important so I use two CF brushes, always in the same order, and they're never used for anything else.

Others will have their own preferences. As long as there's some reasoning that makes sense to you it's your choice - as Rushton said about AI vs. Walker.

Dougdeacon,

Have you said where to get a demagnetizer like the one you use? If you did I'm not seeing it.