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Crosley Record Cleaning System

I finally purchased a Crosley Radio Vinyl Record Cleaning System https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/search?N=11066464&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi
and challenged it with cleaning 48 of my oldest and most neglected albums, some of which I acquired used from a DJ, and others that I found in a dumpster in the rain. The results are nothing shirt of miraculous!

The formerly unplayable albums now appear mint, with beautiful, glossy, deep black vinyl. When I viewed the YouTube videos I was disappointed that none of the demonstrators actually played a record after cleaning, so I was anxious to actually have a listen. The needle was dead silent tracking the lead grooves. I actually thought I'd forgotten to turn up the volume!

It's difficult to imagine that a sixty-dollar purchase could produce such remarkable results, when there are record cleaning systems on rhe market that cost $3,800. Of course, while the Crosley produced results far beyond my expectations, it is not without fault. The one nuisance is the cleaning brushes do not lock in place, so they tend to migrate up the label during cleaning, and require constant attention. The other thing to be aware of is Crosley supples just one drying cloth, which is good for 10-12 albums. Since with each filling the system is good for 50 records, you will need to have at least 3 additional drying cloths at your disposal.

If you have not yet invested in a proper record cleaning system, I highly recommend you get yourself a Crosley.

And, if you are currently using another effctive record cleaning system or method, please share your experience? Thanks!
avdesigns
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,686 posts
 
Looks like a SpinClean clone to me.
avdesigns OP
29 posts
 
@bdp24 Believe me this is no joke, and the Crosley is certainly no children’s toy. I did also consider the Record Doctor, but I decided I’d prefer something affordable that cleans both sides simultaneously.

I specifically wanted to start this discussion because I was certain there would be other people out there, like myself, who would be very skeptical about the effectiveness of such an inexpensive cleaning system. When I saw a video of Stereophile’s Michael Fremer at CES recommending the Spin Clean record cleaning system I decided I’d give it a try. In searching for it online I discovered there were other similar systems on the market for even less. I thought if I was going to make a mistake on this thing I should spend as little as possible.

I challenge you to find the worst record you could possibly find, clean it with the Crosley or similar system, then give it a spin. I guarantee you will be a convert. If not I will buy your system from you and give it to a friend as a present.
avdesigns OP
29 posts
 
@tpreaves I believe you are correct that the Spin Clean model was the first to market some 40 yrs ago(?) and is now being cloned. Although Crosley dates back around 90 years, the Crosley of today is a relatively new company.
chayro
2,995 posts
 
Washing records in the sink or some other receptacle has been done for a long time and it can work.  The problem is that, without some type of vacuum, the cleaning fluid(s) may dry on the record, leaving a residue.  Also, with a vacuum system, you can play your records right away, as opposed to waiting with a bath-type cleaner.  I've never tried, but I would imagine you could probably get a record pretty dry with a high quality microfiber cloth.  If you're happy with it and your records sound good, that's really all that counts.   
avdesigns OP
29 posts
 
@chayro Your observation is correct. I can see some residual water marks on the inside track, but I'm not concerned by this because I can now play and enjoy albums that I have not been able to play in over 30 years and they sound like brand new records.
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