I just got my 16.5 up and running. I chose to throw some challenging records at it right away because they are really the reason I got the VPI. One is an older recording of a couple oboe sonatas. The other is a brand new Metallica re-master by MoFi.both continue to have high surface noise: the oboe recording seems to have tiny spots all over it, like spotty glasses after washing dishes. It was like that when I got it. The Metallica was horribly contaminated right out of the jacket: debris, "gunk", paper strands, etc.
I'm using MoFi Deep Cleaner, Super Wash, and their brushes, with a double distilled rinse with the VPI brush. Is there something else I can try. There has been some improvement, but not as much I'd like to see.
I use Audio Intelligent 3 step and alot of times I'll go back after a few plays and hit again with either AI or VPI solutions and a rinse. Replace the vacuum tube often, it's pretty cheap.
Make sure the pickup brush is at the correct angle to pick up all the liquid. If the record is in really bad shape (and no new records should qualify) you may need the scrub the surface and try multiple washings.
I know it is a total OFF - but I have some really gunky cds and dvds and nothing seem to clean them up. I have tried cheap solutions (soap, alcohol) and ezpensive ones (Optrix, Finyl) and no luck. Any idea? Thanx
You might run a search regarding steam cleaning your records. I own a VPI 16.5 and use both steam and disc doctor cleaning fluid. The combination of steam and fluid has worked miracles on many of my used and new records. I have purchased a few records where dirt has been pressed into the vinyl, and nothing seems to make a difference. Most of those recording are from Verve & Rhino. Anyways, give the steam cleaning a shot! I don't think you will be disapointed.
On tough records, I use the same process as Rick Hilton. Be aware . . . some used records look great but sound terrible. (Some look terrible, but don't sound too bad at all!) Visual grading is no guarantee. If the previous user didn't have the cartridge set up right, there could be groove wear that will always result in noise. Also, mold is often (usually?) difficult (impossible?) to remove.
The other thing nobody seems to be mentioning is that they may just be bad pressings that no amount of cleaning will solve; or, as Ncarv mentioned, groove damage on used LP's.
I have found that numerous "audiophile" pressings, like the Metallica you mention - which I believe was actually only mastered by MoFi and pressed by RTI - suffer from an unacceptable level of surface noise.
Be sure to clean the felt brush on the suction wand. Also, there are some records that are just too damaged, and not in a "dirty surface" state so much as a damaged beyond repair state. When that is the case, get another record. Not all records are great unfortuantely.
Disapointing vpi cleaning performance? Are you new to this? You cleaned two records what about other records same results?
Many complaints about new reissues similar to your experience, as for your older lp maybe its junk also or other issues I no longer use a vpi cleaning machine but I can tell you from long experience a vacuum cleaning machine is a blessing.
I am new to RCM's. If memory serves me correctly, I tried to post that two records are hardly a good sample, and that I later had much better luck with LP's that are known to be in good shape. That post seems to not be here. It was either on another forum (certainly possible) or someone decided it wasn't relevent.
I'm aware of poor newer pressings, and that the older record could be damaged (also in another post from me, maybe in another forum, if so, my mistake). I was just looking for any ideas relating to record cleaning fluids that could perhaps give me a hail Mary chance at cleaning these two if it's possible. I've given up on the Metallica. I've read MANY reviews about how awful those remasters are. I've mostly given up hope on the Poulenc as well. Probably damaged.I never asked for suggestions for another machine, so I was tending NOT to blame it. I guess I was kind of questioning if I was dissapointed in the machine or not, hence the ?? in the title. I can now say that I am not. Maybe I worded things poorly.
Ethan, I hope my reply makes it here, as I just wanted to say, that experience will be the best teacher. All will no doubt certainly agree.
In short time, you'll be an old pro. With the VPI 16.5, good cleaners-rinses, and techniques, you'll have a very good feel, and knowledge of what can be accomplished, and what cannot.
After a good number of records are "under your belt" so to speak, you'll then better understand-realize that the flaws on the occasional record will most likely not be the machine, or cleaners at fault.
I've followed with you in the other forums, and I know all will be well. Best of luck! Mark
Ethan, you may want to look into a product called Gruv Glide... it's a spray on lubricant type product and may/should help with some of the surface noise. Generally, I have had good results with this when a LP seems fairly unlistenable after a VPI wash. Nonetheless, as several other posters have stated, if the record is too damaged, then really nothing is going to help completely
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