2. analog
  3. 124008-527

Why are record cleaners so expensive?

Full disclosure: I have only the Spin-Clean record cleaner and a Hunt EDA brush to clean my vinyl, but as someone who's been in the digital side of audiophilia for decades, and as someone who knows how much gear can get in any dedicated hobby, I'm still curious as to why a high end vinyl cleaner can cost more than three grand.

I'm not disputing the price; after all, Smith said that something's worth whatever someone pays for it. Moreover, a high end record cleaner might be able to do things to vinyl that nothing else can. Still, paying three grand for an Audio Desk cleaner seems a bit out of reason. $3K can buy a good set of speakers; a hand-made fly-fishing rod based on your height and weight and arm length; two weeks at a Fijian resort for two; a custom-made suit from an Italian mill. So why is a glorified vacuum cleaner $3K?

Again, not flaming, just curious. Enlighten me?

s
128x128simao
whart's avatar
whart
2,988 posts
 
Slaw- sorry, you mentioned it in a thread about record shows.
Not sure why you are offended, but if so, my apologies. I may reply later to the method issue, not something I'm trying to be competitive about- it was a friendly, genuine offer. Again, sorry for the offense, happy to try to delete the post if that's an issue. 
slaw's avatar
slaw
20,526 posts
 
whart,

I just want you to address the above topic without transferring, somehow, your posts in a way that allows you to be absolved from ( YOUR PAST POSTS).

I addressed your response to my way of cleaning lps. Now, somehow, you have transferred the/your need to show us all your "better way" of cleaning lps after my last post. Somehow, people that (don't accept their failings, have a GREAT ability, to transfer their failings upon another)

Somehow, now I'm the BAD GUY!
slaw's avatar
slaw
20,526 posts
 
I'm #@@#%ing tired of this forum!

See ya!
whart's avatar
whart
2,988 posts
 
Actually, Slaw, I was responding to Cedar's post- where he described a DIY ultrasonic rig as a way of saving money. My post added an additional point- that there was a benefit to the DIY, in my estimation, over and above the commercial ultrasonics. That had nothing to do with you or your preferred methods. I'm sorry I got you upset over this. It was not my intention, and for those who know me on this board, I rarely engage in Internet sparring. Nobody is a 'bad guy,' and no one, in my estimation, needs absolution. Take it easy,
bill hart
whart's avatar
whart
2,988 posts
 
Sim- to answer your outstanding question, I've never used the Spin Clean or equivalent. By the time I started getting into record cleaning in the early '80s, the VPI was available and I bought one. I'm pretty agnostic when it comes to machines and methods. However, I do believe it is important to remove the cleaning fluid from the record (which, if it has done its job, has suspended within it, various contaminants from the record grooves). Apart from the ultrasonic machines addressed above, getting the (contaminated) fluid off the record usually involves a couple steps- a rinse step with some kind of purified water and vacuum. Getting the record "dry" is not the equivalent of removing the fluid/contaminant slurry. So, my assumption is that wiping the record dry will not fully remove it. Hope that helps. 
More to discover