Vinyl Accessories - Skip It or Buy It!

@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/...