"Cleaning" Vinyl Makes It Worse Not Better!

@starwarrior.

FWIW, this is what is in Dawn Ultra - CPID.  Aside from water there are 19-ingredients.  The first 3 (anionic surfactants) are what does most of the cleaning.  But understand that the thickness is artificial - they add propylene glycol (anti-freeze) and salt.  It's a good cleaner, but it's a bear to rinse completely.  

My basic recommendation for an equivalent without all the junk in the trunk (no thickeners, no fragrances, no coloring agents) and rinses much easier is Alconox Liquinox Liquinox_tech_bull.pdf which is about 50% concentrated with a combination of anionic and nonionic surfactants and is relatively cheap - Amazon.com: Alconox - 1232-1 1232 Liquinox Anionic Critical Cleaning Liquid Detergent, 1 quart Bottle : Industrial & Scientific.

@dogberry, 

Have you moved on from the Sussurro Gold?

No.

VPI did a comparison some year back at CAF with two exact same tables (HW-40); played back through some big Wilsons; one with the Lyra-Etna, the other with the Soundsmith Hyperion (the low output version of the Helios).  They were playing a Louis Armstrong record.  The differences in the cartridges were to me very apparent.  The Etna made Louis sound like he was singing in Aspen, CO (clear & bright - call it a bit yang), while the Hyperion made Louis sound like he was playing in New Orleans (hot and humid - call it a bit yin); but neither missed any details.  Personal taste would dictate which one you would like.  To me, the Sussurro Gold is in-between, and much more to my liking (and my equipment).

@antinn Fascinating! I hadn't known of the Helios before, but found it on the SS special order page, where it is shown in the old-style body. I know of someone who has asked Peter if he would make a high-output Hyperion, and it seems he already does.

@oldaudiophile "Yes, I know what you mean.  The little bottle you're talking about is Mofi's Ultra Record Wash concentrate for ultrasonic cleaning machines.  Again, you can make your own for a fraction of the cost."

Okay, can you tell me how to make my own Ultra Record Wash concentrate? I'd appreciate it.

Neil!

It is always a pleasure to find you ever since we first crossed paths in the VPI Forum now many moons ago.  Some things never change and I marvel at your patience.  FWIW for any who are lurking and not sure what to make of all this let me add my name to the many, many endorsers you will encounter for Neil Antinn.  He is the real deal and no person who has carefully followed his advice is not better off.

Regards,

Bill Stevenson