2. analog
  3. 1221598923

Lloyd Walker's Next Shocker

This week I had the chance to hear a prototype of Walker Audio's newest audio tweak, and I must say that I went from skeptical to startled in about 10 seconds upon hearing it.

FWIW, I am not the kind of guy who buys into teleportation hocus pocus, etc. I'm not a shill for any company or dealer, and although I've been active here for many years, I've rarely posted about any commercially available(or soon to be) tweaks.

As to not get Lloyd angry, I won't give away the details, but just say that for around $50, this will make an improvement in sonics for many vinyl lovers equal to a component upgrade or two! It will take 3 seconds for anyone to install, and will last many years, without refills/recharges/etc.

He says he is still finalizing the design, and will produce it sometime in the next month or two. Perhaps if Lloyd, Fred, or else someone else in the know reads here, they will chime in.
There...now I feel totally cleansed. Cheers,
Spencer
128x128sbank
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
nkonor- Could you please clarify.... Not sure what you meant in the last sentence. Is it just that the Delrin vacuums it up quicker, and more efficiently. My Plexiglass one does the job in 3 revolutions, and I like to stop there, so it doesn’t get that static charge thing going on (-: Cheers -Don
nkonor
635 posts
 
fjn04,

The delrin tube has only been in use for(2) months now. Perhaps the new velvet strips are responsible. But my observation is that the delrin tube sits flatter on the record. I only use the old tube and housing to vacuum the enzyme fluid that is now use. The new delrin tube and housing is used only for vacuuming RO rinse water that has no suffacant added.
the old tube takes 2 - 2 1/4 turns to remove the enzyme fluid. The delrin tube takes 1 3/4 - 2 turns to remove the RO water w/o suffacant.

- new velvet strips
- delrin is stiffer and sits flatter
- achieved better tube angle (by luck)
- slot is thinner ( just a guess )
- delrin tube is a bit longer

I have never had any real issue with my 16.5 or really having to vacuum more than (2) turns in 26yrs.
nkonor
635 posts
 
Don,

If your having problems with static use a Zerostat, Mapleshade Antistat or a D'Stat
pryso
1,963 posts
 
Original (plexiglas) VPI tube:

I've owned two VPI 16.5 machines.  Once the suction tube was adjusted properly I've not had any issues with vacuuming.

First, be certain the tube is installed so that the slot opening ends just at the lead in on an LP.  Certainly it should not extend beyond that but should cover the entire grooved area.

Second, when viewed from the outside end the slot should be positioned at 185 degrees on the 360 face.  That provides optimum suction per VPI.

When vacuuming I note the place on the edge of the label for reference when I engage the vacuum.  After two revolutions I shut off the vacuum and the tube will remain in contact with the LP for nearly one more revolution before lifting up.  At that point the record will be completely dry so all I need do is blot up any droplets from the label area if present.

I fail to see how any replacement for the stock tube could do better than that.
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
Thanks- I have the Zerostat gun, the blue one. No real static problems, but notice when I would vacuum too long, it would create that static. That's why I keep it to 3 revolutions for drying. I will have to try 2 revolutions. Honestly, being such a creature of habit, I've always done the 3. (-: Thanks for the tips... It's a great machine.
More to discover