Do I need a machine to clean ?

Thanks for the input. I play mostly vinyl, maybe 80/20 vinyl. I really have about 300 albums and they all need cleaning. I currently just brush them with Record Research fluid. So I guess I should buy a machine. I don't mind all of the manual labor part. Actually I kind of enjoy it. Would the basic machine from Audio Advisor be ok?

Besides the convenience of being less labor intensive, the more expensive machines do a better job because they have more powerful suction. I had the entry level AA machine and it never got all of the fluid off the record no matter how long I spun it around. The VPI I have now gets it off in a couple of revolutions.

You CAN, and I have, cleaned with out a vacuum machine. I've come to the conclusion, though, that they are essential for doing the BEST job. My investment in a VPI 16.5 is probably the best money I've ever spent in audio.

You are right on target with Record Research fluids. They ARE the best, IMHO. And, a little #9 for the stylus is a good idea, too.

To answer your question, the Record Doctor unit is just fine and, as these things go, a real bargain. Go for it!

I think that making your own record cleaning machine is one of the most cost effective DIY tweaks you can do if you're a vinyl lover. A basic record cleaning machine is just a vacume. Application and spreading of fluid can be done just as effectively by hand. I was amazed at how effective my home-made record vac is for cleaning. Search the archives for "record cleaning" on this site and also audio asylum and the internet and you will find several descriptions of DIY record vacs that will cost next to nothing and clean with the best of the commercial models