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Different Results between Record Cleaning Machines


The last thread on Record Cleaning Machines (RCMs) in 2009 covered the simple to the exotic in machinery.

RCMs haven't changed much since then, but AIVS has released 'Solution 15,' an enzyme cleaning solution, to augment their three bottle cleaning kit.

I have an older VPI RCM (the 16, not the 16.5). After cleaning with AIVS chemistry on my VPI my records, one Warner Brothers (Sweet Baby James), one RCA (Bridge Over Troubled Waters), both from 1970, didn't sound as quiet as the LPs cleaned on my friend's Loricraft using exactly the same chemistry and very similar technique. We noted a couple of things.

First, the stylus collected a *huge* amount of gunk --particularly from what was, at least chemically, a record cleaned with care, and according to AIVS instructions.

Second, after playing a couple of songs, we stopped, cleaned the stylus again, and played once more. The sound was drastically improved. Anyone have experience similar to this?

I'm a little skeptical about using an expensive TT, cartridge and stylus for auxiliary record cleaning.

Was it the 'gunk removal' that led to better sound with the second playback? Was the mold release compound coming off in globs with the needle carving its way down to the sound? Why was so much material caught on the stylus? And why didn't the RCM collect more of it?

Is the answer too obvious?

The VPI's vacuum motor is brand new. The table sounds like its bearings are arthritic when it rotates, but beside that, it turns with considerable torque.

Thanks in advance for any experience you might have about this.

At the moment I'm considering a Loricraft purchase. Anyone have a Lorcraft for sale?

Happy Thanksgiving,
128x128cdk84
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
I had for many years VPI 16.5, then I bought a Keith Monks (Point Nozzle Design, Loricraft copied it) and was shocked about the superior cleaning result with that Design.
There are 2 task to be made
1. To use a fluid which goes into the grooves and disconnects the dirt.
2. To remove it as good as possible.
For No. 1 there are various solutions available, the secret is in the technical solution for No.2
A point nozzle is slow, but unsurpassed in superior result. It removes the fluid from groove to groove AND all is dry after that.
All other designs fail here, because they work more or less ok as long as the "lips" are dry. After a few spins they are wet and stay wet. This is also responsible for noise even after cleaning with other designs.
Costly, but for those who want the best result, the way to go.
palewin
58 posts
 
I have what was a VPI 16 which I upgraded to a 16.5 using VPI's upgrade kit. The upgraded version vacuums significantly better than the original. I suspect that this is contributing to your issue, and strongly recommend the upgrade. The upgrade work is rather minor: prying the old vacuum tube off the plexiglas top, and enlarging the vacuum hole in the base slightly to accept the new spring-loaded vacuum tube assembly.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Why has not someone built a RCM with steam. I use hand held unit and it works wonders, a record doctor machine does the clean up.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I think Syntax has described the issue and the solution quite nicely.
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