Kip: Let's put this all in context. Your first sream cleaning experience was negative , mainly because you were not using that instant water boiler correctly. That one was returned to Home Depot. On the second unit I went out of my way spending my own money to assist you with the second steamer, a "Living Solution" that comes with a 2 year no hassel return policy; so why not return it?
Kip: FYI, PayPal has not yet forwarded any record of payment to me. So I maybe out the $51 bucks.
Over-All, what's of concern are your public remarks vs private comments I will outline below. Its vexing. You use the steamer once or twice , in a who knows who manner, declaring it worthless. This is the second time that has happened. Yet, in face to face "shoot-outs" with RCM's with noted designers personally on-hand, even they acknowledge the power of Steam Cleaning.
Kip, I believe the problem isn't with the steamer its either the vinyl is damaged , or the turntable is not properly set-up causing mis-tracking, an easy thing to do. Apparently, the grunge on one LP was so bad that even after steaming it took a nuge from your fingernail to dislodge it ... Now,that's real grunge.
For those that are RCM users, I have always said RCMS have a place in steam cleaning. A vacuum machine like a VPI 16.5 is excellent to pair/combo with steam.
Kip,perhaps, I misread your email noting that steaming was an improvement. Whats up? First you likey and then you don't? I have a suggestion-before making any claims steam several hundred LPS to get a feel for the vast number with manufacturing defects and prior owner abuse issues.
As I have mentioned in public & privately, near 50% of the LPS I formerly purchased were defective. I have greatly improved that take-home number by careful review using hi-rez reading glasses & angeling over-head lighting. Fifteen years ago that number was even higher, until I started to learn how to kull out the herd. And thats' about the time I started my search to find a better way to clean LPS that I now do via Steam.
Recently, I opined that several LP collections , totalling several thousands of LPS were given to me. So far, I have disposed of near 70%(to goodwill) because of defects , keeping only the creme for crem1. The only exception were those LPS from the 1950-60's so rare they are worth bucks in vg condition.
Kip, without experience how do you tell whats defective and whats not ? That's what comittment to vinyl is all about. CD's are EASY, LPS are difficult.
As for the payment problem, should PayPal not confirm your payment in a week I suspect I will never see it thru PayPal. If that is the case please put a trace on your account before sending me a personal check. I suspect that PayPal will return your payment to you ASAP being unable to find me. Not your problem theirs.
Kip, I certantly don't think that you aren't steaming , I do question your comittment to vinyl. Do yourself a favor, return to the second steamer to your local Walgreens for a refund. Kip buy CDS , your audio-life will greatly improve.You can always shed the analog front end on AG. All the best. Charlie
