2. analog
  3. 128615-13747

Best value record cleaner/cleaning system

Thought I would ask the group -- when I was last in the analog game some 12-15 years ago it was a VPI or Nitty Gritty for record cleaning (that and the wood-handled Discwasher pad with red-bottle liquid, Zerostat and Decca CF brush for just before playing an LP)... are these still the go-to standard units, or has the state of the art / ’value’ options advanced to some other kits in the present? I see cleaner units now from Pro-ject, Music Hall, Spin Clean, etc etc.

In my case I am not trying to ’deep clean’ mistreated, flea market or recycled recors store records... just good hygiene maintenance-cleaning of a treasured collection - 80% regular records, 20% ’audiophile’ pressings.

Thanks in advance.
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nkonor
635 posts
 
slaw,

Thank you for the tip. I found a half dozen steamers on Amazon. Guess I'll pick one and have at it. Not expensive. Might add to the labor but I will take your judgement on this! 

Thanks
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ebm
9,311 posts
 
After you steam the records you can do your suit as well.
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,258 posts
 
nkonor,

If you can find the dbtech with the larger tank, go for it. That one is a no-brainer.

Are you familiar with the Gem Dandy cleaning system? I've often thought about making my own (simple pvc stand w/ basic tools) but taller to set in my sink. After spreading the fluid on a lp, attach it to this and voila'! I will do it at some point.

ebm,

Yes, I've even used mine to clean out the mold that accumulates inside of an  in-door ice maker. Lots of uses.
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,258 posts
 
...the dbtech has much better ergonomics (compared to my Mapleshade) which makes for better contol. It has a very good steam pattern as well. These two things make a difference!
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,258 posts
 
a friend of mine bought a HAAN after watching me using my Mapleshade years ago. I went to his house one day just to test it out. I was disappointed in that unit. Much lower steam pressure, lesser steam pattern..
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