disappointing VPI 16.5 performance??

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