Vinyl Accessories - Skip It or Buy It!

 Dust Cleaner/Sweeper-One of those "separate you from your money" devices.

Spend the money for US, if you're that concerned. 

The sweeper is really more for anti-static than dust. People who have them notice a noise improvement that seems to be based more on eliminating static than dust. Mike has one, or something like it, and loves it. 

RCM, people think they're getting a record cleaner when really its just to vacuum off the final rinse of records that have already been cleaned. That's because when you talk about getting records absolutely perfectly clean you simply can't do it with the same brush they were just washed with. These machines should all come with at least three brushes. One to vacuum the wash off, one for the rinse, and another for final rinse.  

The best most cost-effective solution I have found is the Walker Enzyme cleaning system. Don't buy the kit, it costs a fortune. Buy refills of the cleaning solution and the Enzyme. Use your own bottles, brushes and filtered water. I vacuum the final rinse off with my VPI but you could probably get about as good result with a clean folded 100% cotton towel. 

The cheap test for static is a $2 can of Static Guard anti-static spray for laundry. I spray this stuff over my cables and around my turntable. Not a big improvement but worth it for those special records. 

Thank you @millercarbon. That Walker Audio Cleaning Kit is pretty hard core, I will try it out at some point. 

It may clean the record slow the turntable and make it sound bad would never use this piece of junk.Get the KL Audio KLN LP200 record cleaning machine its much better in fact its the best.Good luck though.

Get the Audioquest anti static brush for under $30 does the job on static but not that great cleaning.

^^^^Yup, got one of those. 

Do you have a dust issue? i.e. forced hot air/ac system, with a supply/return grille causing air flow with dust?

IF so, perhaps a separate fine filter applied to that grille, removable for periodic cleaning.

I always preferred Shure cartridges with attached damped brushes. The brush helps with dust that ’just landed’ before the stylus gets there, and somewhat with static. Also, Shure’s brushes are/were damped, helping it two ways. 1 helps with any warps, 2 helps stylus successfully track at lighter weight.

I am now using a replacement stylus in my Shure V15VxMR body. Jico, SAS, with a brush. However, their brush is NOT damped, just a dust brush, ok, I still like it, but it is good to know the difference, and precision tracking force and anti-skate forces are ’different’ than the calculated .5 gram Shure Damped brush.

I never used them, but I see Pickering and Stanton cartridges have integral brushes (not sure if the brushes are damped).

My first MC cartridge has no brush. OK, but even after deep cleaning of LP, I do find dust on it’s stylus, whereas the Shure on the adjacent arm, I find the dust on the brush.

The brush you posted is impressive looking, a price I would not like, and I don’t have room to mount one anyway, but if you think long, average the cost over years of problem solving, it’s not going to bankrupt you.

i.e. I went thru 2 inexpensive end of play auto lifts before I coughed up the $150. for the Audio Technica one. It is terrific.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT6006R-Safety-Raiser/dp/B07HKX6WL7/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&ke...

However, you need room between your Arm base and the edge of your spinner to mount it (space is reduced by Vintage JVC and Denon direct drives for instance). I can only fit one for my long arm as it's base is further from the spinner's edge.

As for cleaning, I read so much conflicting results that I went all manual, bought a kit with drying rack for 10 lps. batches of 10 at a time is what makes the difference for me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GSSQ1MN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you look at the next to the last photo in this LP listing, you see what I worked out

https://www.ebay.com/itm/George-Harrison/133555126055

my own mix, mostly 91% alcohol, some purchased mix, some jet dry rinsing agent from dishwasher.

lid from Chinese soup container to protect paper label

Scrub with vigor using baby scalp brush.

https://www.amazon.com/Scalp-Scrubbie-Sterile-Cradle-Sponge/dp/B005EJ7YH4/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n...

set up where you can listen to music

@elliottbnewcombjr,

Thank you so much for some wonderful ideas! Now why didn’t I think about air vent filtration :-)

I have a air vent right above my turntable so I am going to try this air filter. Let’s see how effectively they work out in my room.

https://www.amazon.com/Ventilaider-Complete-Electrostatic-Installation-Registers/dp/B07FYGC658/ref=s...

I did explore the spin-clean kit but after watching the video, I wasn’t too thrilled to see all the work involved. So I need make a choice, either I save money and do all the work with spin-clean or buy one those ultra automated cleaning machines.

Since i own SME Model 15, I am limited on what I can mount on my TT plinth. So gadgets like Audio Technica lifter and Integrity Tru-Sweep Anti-Static Dust Cleaner poses some installation challenges.

"I did explore the spin-clean kit but after watching the video, I wasn’t too thrilled to see all the work involved."

If you're playing used LP's, US is the way to go. New album, a Spin Clean could work for just a little refresh. I use one, going on 10 years. I don't buy new LP's, and just am picky about what I get from the bins. The Spin Clean does fine for what it is. I've taken Spin Cleaned LP's to shows and demo room uber systems, and they sound fine. It's not a big deal regarding the process. I don't use fancy distilled water or expensive "special" LP cleaning solutions.

I just haven't found a US machine at a price I want to pay-yet. I want one that's turnkey, like the AudioDesk. Just not for $3-4K

Based on your setup in your profile, I wouldn't bother with anything BUT a US machine.

Consider a used VPI or that Project unit if you're not ready to take the plunge for a US machine. 

Starting off with good LP's and being mindful handling them, obviously is paramount. 

@tablejockey,

I have to ask, what is a US machine? Is it Ultra Sonic? 

@lalitk ,

If you’re willing to go with a Chinese US tank, a DIY cleaner will do better than the Pro-Ject for under $500.00. You’ll need a spinner and you could add a filtering system, all within your budget.

US = ultrasonic 

A hand held steamer. If for nothing else, to clean all of your record cleaning brushes/velvet pads. They will last much longer as well as stay clean whenever you're ready to use them.

A well thought out record mat.
I use two MyMats.

I'm the MyMat designer.

@slaw can u post or pm a link to the my mat for us? 

@slaw,

What is the purpose of a record mat? 

@tablejockey,

I hear you on four figure cleaning machines and they make sense as a long term investment. My collection of vinyl is all new records and very manageable at this point. I don’t plan on buying every album that gets released on Vinyl (probably buy those that sucks on streaming ...lol) I’ve noticed even new vinyl benefits from proper cleaning, less pops n clicks and surface noise.

I will bring in both spin-clean and Pro-Ject machine. Their video on YouTube suggests a relatively easy process to clean the vinyl :-)
https://youtu.be/G6mFWdny_Pw

Then there is Kirmuss Audio US record machine for $1K. I have seen their demo at RMAF last year, pretty impressive.

https://kirmussaudio.com/ka-rc-1-ultrasonic-record-restoration-system/

More toys for grown men :-)

laltik-

If you're only playing new LP's, then US may not be such a big deal, like it is to me for bin specials. The Kirmuss has been getting an overall thumbs up here and other forums for the price.

I want the Cadillac for Yugo pricing. Convenience of using it like a toaster-drop an LP in, it's cleaned/dried ready to play. That's reserved for the AudioDesk and a couple more. Even used, they just aren't at a price I'm willing  to open my wallet.

Eventually, someone will figure out how to piece one together similar to the AD,at a price for the "everyday guy". The machine isn't  high tech, and maybe even a little Rube Goldberg!

Good luck.

@lalitk ,

A record mat dampens (a mechanical bearing) vibrations, and platter resonance, allowing the cartridge to trace the record groove more accurately, equalling better sound.

There's a new Keith Monks cleaner coming out might be worth checking out.
https://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Turntables/Keith-Monks/PRODIGY-Record-Cleaning-Machine/...

@dodgealum ,

Sorry, the MyMat is a one time product I developed out of love for this (hobby) and don't intend to make a business out of it. I can send you some pictures if you'll send me your email by PM. 

BTW, I currently sell them through PMs.

There is a review in the works by a respected third party that I'll post a link to when it's finished. Thanks for your interest.

@slaw,

Thank you for the clarification. I guess SME got me covered, here is the description from their website, the Model 15 platter is

“Machined from aluminium alloy and weighs over 4.6 kg (10 lbs). It is extensionally damped, the top surface being diamond-turned with a fine scroll. This method of finishing contacts a myriad of tiny fibres with the underside of the record, firmly coupling it to the platter”.

And they suggest to avoid anything that might scratch the turntable platter. The material is as delicate as a record itself and very easily damaged.

@rsf507,

Thanks for sharing. KM Prodigy process is very similar to Pro-Ject VC-S2 for less money. Nevertheless it’s a very cool looking machine and very compact.

https://youtu.be/kNn-SD1F3jU

Tablejockey, I’m sure the Kirmuss does a fine job, but do you really give it high marks for”ease of use”? Just from watching the demonstration videos available on YouTube, it looks like an exercise in anal retentive behavior.

 "I’m sure the Kirmuss does a fine job, but do you really give it high marks for”ease of use"?"

lewm- agreed. I like the price of the Kirmuss, but pass. The entire protocol based on the video is way too much involvement for me. As mentioned earlier, I want a machine like the AD, for the cost of the Kirmuss. Unfortunately, it's not gonna happen soon?

The happy users of the Kirmuss don't seem to mind, but it's not for me.
I'm sticking to my low tech Spin Clean and continue being picky with my used LP's.

@tablejockey,

There is nothing wrong with being picky :-) 

With the resurgence of Vinyl playback, we can certainly hope for a machine like AD at $1K price point. 

Kiissmuss is a lot of work, I used audio intelligent enzyme solution, soft paint brush to spread the solutions, and shur line edger to clean the surface of the record, the edger seems to clean also the inner grove of the record.I even clean my expensive record on this method. It works. The most effective and convenient are the Ultrasonic cleaners.

Talked to a dealer regarding the Kirmuss loves how it cleans hates the process. As a result it sits unused most of the time.

rsf507

Talked to a dealer regarding the Kirmuss loves how it cleans hates the process. As a result it sits unused most of the time.

That is the problem with many RCMs and cleaning processes, and the appeal of units like the Audio Desk and Klaudio, which offer a one-button process. I cleaned more LPs during my first month with the Klaudio than I did in probably the last five using my Nitty Gritty.

Anyone try the Degritter? It looks like the best record cleaner I've seen in a while.

^^^Well, it’s not inexpensive at $3K. 

Is KL Audio still selling their machine? 

A big problem with machines like the Audio Desk ( I own one) and the KL is the inability to be able to actually clean the inside water tank. This makes a DIY cleaner another big plus.

Sorry found the info on KLAudio's site. As of Aug 2019 they posted a letter saying they have stopped producing their RCM but will still be supporting ones they have sold. 

....... another reason...,

"A big problem with machines like the Audio Desk ( I own one) and the KL is the inability to be able to actually clean the inside water tank."

slaw-
that's  interesting. Doesn't most of the crud come out, if the tank is drained?

slaw

A big problem with machines like the Audio Desk ( I own one) and the KL is the inability to be able to actually clean the inside water tank ...

I have the Klaudio. When the tank is drained, any crud is drained with it. There’s a window that lets you see inside the tank.

Klaudio also made a model that omitted the tank and relied on a direct connection to a faucet instead. But the Klaudio units are currently out of production and rarely show up used.

Absolutely wrong millercarbon it is for both dust and static.

@lalitk that version is very nicely made. It has one major failing. It uses hair for it's bristles. It is not that conductive. The ones I have always used use conductive carbon fiber bristles like this one https://www.sleevecityusa.com/Antistatic-Record-Cleaning-Arm-p/tac-01.htm
You'll also note a very competitive price. Once adjusted correctly the sweep arm will track along with the arm picking up any incidental dust on the way and it will clear everything on the record if the record is relatively clean to start with. I also use a dust cover during play which also serves to keep the dust down. There are no down sides to its use, none. If there is any static on the record to begin with the sweep will short it all out and if you use sleeves that will not collect static you will never have a static problem. You can see it in action on my system page. 

As for dust cover use I have gained one very powerful ally in that regard.
Mark Doehmann. There will be two upgrades to the Dohmann Helix in the near future, a vacuum platter and a dust cover to be used during play. He maintains as I always have that attenuation of sound traveling through air further isolates the turntable and increases reproduction accuracy. Notice I did not say, "improves sound." I think it does, some may not. It certainly improves record cleanliness and helps keep dust away from the stylus. It obviously does not keep the stylus from disappearing:( 

Also, if anyone get the Sleeve City sweep arm and has trouble getting it to track well, if you message me I can help you out.

Thanks @mijostyn for your recommendation, it’s certainly worth a try. 

@cleeds wrote:8:18amslaw

A big problem with machines like the Audio Desk ( I own one) and the KL is the inability to be able to actually clean the inside water tank ...

"I have the Klaudio. When the tank is drained, any crud is drained with it. There’s a window that lets you see inside the tank.

Klaudio also made a model that omitted the tank and relied on a direct connection to a faucet instead. But the Klaudio units are currently out of production and rarely show up used. "
_________________________________________
I’ve had both the AD and the KL. As you probably know, there is a port on the rear of the original model KL (not the model that uses a separate tank) that you can unscrew to access the water reservoir. I use clean room poly wipes (non-impregnated and leave no lint) to wipe down the walls of that part of the machine. Interestingly, for new records that I didn’t pre-clean, the wipe would pick up a very fine gray/black dust- looked like grime. If I pre-cleaned a record (my normal practice with used records), none of this residue.
I don’t think this addresses the area where the the records are spun in the water- the actual bath. The DIY machines, with the open baths, are obviously accessible.
The biggest negative with that KL "port" is that the threads are very sharp and will cut your hands unless you use a tool to reach in (I have a large rubber tipped tweezer that I use to hold the wipe for that purpose). And, re-threading the cap on the reservoir can get tricky after a while; if not rethreaded tightly, it will leak.
regards,

I've tried quite a few devices when it comes to cleaning my record collection. Even tried a Kirmuss but got tired of the overheating and waiting for it to cool down, OKKI NOKKI is good. 

I finally settled on an Audio Desk Pro, well worth the extra coinage, washes and dries all in one shot, and the only other item in my record cleaning arsenal is a RCA disc washer lint brush used before playing if needed.

All,

Where there is moisture, there is a good environment for mold to grow. This is an understood fact of nature.

Why don’t Audiophile’s won’t to accept these basic facts of nature?

"Where there is moisture, there is a good environment for mold to grow. This is an understood fact of nature."

This appears to be a long term ownership issue....
No way to get a wire brush in there? Wonder if the manufacturer had any thoughts on this during design? How about purge the system with a little alcohol to kill anything in there?

Well pulled the trigger and ordered the KM Prodigy ( even got a 15% discount). Hope to have it before the holidays given all the shipping delays.

Anyone try both the Funk Achromat and the Boston Audio Design "The Mat"? I'd be interested in comparisons as these both have strong supporters. Not cheap but user reports seem to confirm both offer a significant SQ benefit compared with felt, rubber or other aftermarket mats.

+++ for @slaw MyMat - sounds great on my SOTA which already has a super sounding mat!!!! You can’t beat the value it offers

Nitty Gritty makes an effective enzyme cleaner

Who's using either a Monks or Loricraft and what solutions are you using with them?

I use a Monks. I've tried a variety of fluids, including the one Monks offers, the "new" Torumat  branded "Groovy Fluid" or some such by Brooks Berdan, Walker's 3 and 4 step fluids, Hannl fluid from Germany (thanks @Syntax), Audio Intelligent and a few others. For deep cleaning I use the AIVS #15 with the unidirectional pad from the Walker kit, for a mild clean I still like the Hannl with a Monks brush but the concentrate is no longer available in the U.S. so at some point I'm going to have to find another fluid when I run through my remaining stash. 
Everybody has their favorite. Easy enough to buy a few brands and try them.
I use reagent grade 1 water to rinse.

For your amusement: [url]https://thevinylpress.com/app/uploads/2017/12/DSCF0766.jpg[/url]