Not to be (too) repetitive, but obviously, the better your equipment, the better opportunity for the awesome sound of vinyl to be enjoyed. That being said, a better system will naturally expose whatever flaws may be on your records, including dirt. Cleaning ALL (including brand new) records prior to playing is essential for maximum pleasure. After doing extensive research I recently purchased a Clearaudio Double Matrix Sonic (not ultrasonic) cleaning machine. I believe it to be the best in the world. The results have been astounding, far exceeding my expectations. 40 year old records (with 40 years worth of dirt, complete with pops and background noise) sounded (and looked) pristine after a single cleaning. The machine cleans the records by automatically spinning the discs forward and backward multiple times, and while doing that, secretes cleaning fluid, to both sides simultaneously, and vacuums several times during a single process. There is also a manual setting so that you may customize the process for a deeper cleaning, if necessary. Once the cleaning is completed, the user then swings an antistatic arm over the disc and after 2 or 3 revolutions all static electricity is gone. Then place the record into a Mobile Fidelity sleeve for safe keeping. Putting the record back into the paper sleeve which is full of dust (and worse) defeats the purpose of doing the cleaning in the first place. There are videos on You Tube available to see the process in action.
By the way, the reason for sonic, rather than Ultrasonic, is that ultrasonic's powerful waves may cause the loosened dirt to crash into the grooves of the record, causing damage.
The ClearAudio Double Matrix is a very expensive machine, so that may be a non starter, but if you can swing it, you will be thrilled with the results. Plus, it's REALLY cool to watch it work and it's built like a tank! The retail for the machine is $6,000(!), but I bought mine on AudioGon for (only!) $3,300. It was an open box, but never used.
