Results from Beta Testers of New Formulas

Psychicanimal ... glad you're doing well with your difficult move to Orlando.

I'm getting the in-line TDS (total dissolved solids) meter! It can be moved from post-reverse osmosis stage to the post-deionization stage to monitor the ultrapurification process. (TDS should = 0 post-deionization). Thanks for helping me make a better product for all of us 'Goners!

Best regards,
Paul

I used Paul's samples to clean about ten older records from the 1950's through the 1970's. These were records that looked to be in good condition without much visible surface scratches, but were afflictd with a constant low level of surface noise, along with occasional more dramatic ticks and pops. These are fine records which were purchased used over many years, and obviously have been played when not specially cleaned before.
I removed some dust with Audioquest carbon fiber brush, so there would not be physical particles to get stuck on the plush of the VPI 16.5 cleaning wand.
I used step one, and step two cleaners, each for about two to three minutes before the VPI vacuum up step, and I used different applicator brushes to spread the two different solutions over the record surface.
Results: reliable 80% reduction in the continuous background surface noise, and more clarity, detail, and texture to voices, and instruments. Much more enjoyable listening. Easy to hear this wonderful improvement.
Most of the louder, occasional, ticks and pops, some of which were seen to correspond to visible scratches, were not changed, as these were actual vinyl damage. Some were reduced in amplitude, presumably where the cleaning solutions modified the most severe imbedded debris, while leaving behind the physical groove damage which cannot be magically erased.
Conclusion: Very worthwhile improvement for those of us with older records that have passed through other hands on the way to our own collection. I do not have time to wash records with more than one company's products, so this is not a comparison, but rather a confirmation of excellent results.
Listening to the same records both before and after cleaning is sometimes startling, when the stylus tracking seems to bring out more of what the microphones captured in the way of detail, and even soundstaging.
A thank you to Paul Frumkin for providing free product for beta testing. I am relieved that the results are positive, as it is more fun to be able to give justified praise, without having to express any disappointment when a thoughtful fellow Audiogon member does his best.

A suggestion on soak time for the Step 1 Enzyme formula.

Several people have been asking "How long should I let the enzyme solution soak the record before removing and proceeding to the next step?" I feel that you should let the enzyme solution soak for at least 5 minutes if possible. There is nothing wrong with occasional brushing during this 5 minute interval.

Enzymes require time to do their work. They are catalytic cleaning agents, i.e., they participate in the chemical reaction of chopping-up proteinaceous soils but they do not get consumed in the process. Without the enzymes, it is nearly impossible to chop-up protein soils without introducing chemical agents that are corrosive to people and probably damaging to the record itself. Enzymes take time to get the job done because of the temperature limitations (it takes energy to drive the reaction) and the dilute nature of the cleaner and low quantities of soil present (it takes time for the enzymes to find the dirt in order to do the work).

It is possible to enhance enzyme activity by warming the enzyme solution. A general rule of thumb for chemical reactions is "For every 18°F temperature increase, the rate of a chemical reaction doubles". First, you would need to be careful on heating so that the solution doesn't get too hot. Excessively hot solution has the potential of warping a record. On the other hand, placing a few milliters of warm enzyme solution on the cooler LP may cool down the enzyme solution fairly quickly (evaporation also cools the solution) such that the heating effort may be a waste of time. If you choose to try heating your enzyme solution, you will need a thermometer and I suggest that you do not exceed 100°F; I personally will never heat my cleaning solutions unless they are really cold (below 70°F). Finally, if your enzyme cleaner consumption rate is very slow, repeated heating may shorten shelf life enough to cause a degradation in performance. Degradation in enzyme performance may take several months to show-up after several heating cycles. Enzymes do not have indefinite shelf-lives so try to make sure you use-up your enzyme solutions within 1-year to be safe.

So, the general recommendation is "Soak at least 5-minutes if you can" in my book. Paul has already proven to himself and me that daily soaking for 30-minutes over a 6-week period showed no detrimental effects on vinyl. Clearly, using 30-minute soak times is excessive because we would be spending more time doing the cleaning process than listening to the records.

Mr. Kidknow

I noted that with my home made and Paul’s cleaners that some surface noises still present after cleaning; but few days later when I listen the same LPs again the surface noises were significantly lesser than before. I assumed that over time the remaining dirt got loose and got cleaned off the record with the needle without causing a noise. When I used the enzyme #1 solution alone, the sound seemed smoother and laid back. I guessed that some of the enzyme still coated the groove and acting as a lubricant. The #2 alcohol solution is to further remove the enzyme. I normally dip the whole record into distilled water to rinse the cleaning solutions before vacuuming. I definitely have Paul’s cleaning solutions around for dirty records.

Mrkidknow,
Some interesting ideas you have there. It makes sense that the longer the enzymatic sits on the surface, the better the chances are for loosening up the proteins and other assorted nasties that get into the grooves.

Never thought about about the gentle heating idea. What method(s) would you suggest to use? Further, should there be a concern about the breakdown in the efficacy of the enzymatic due to repeated heating and cooling of the solution?