I read the Clearaudio website on the Double Matrix. I too am enthused about the capacity to clean both sides of an LP at the same time. That IS a drawback of the HW17, the fact that in the process of cleaning the second side, you are forced to place the just cleaned side down on its cork platter. Whatever you decide, I recommend a distilled water rinse after the first vacuum. It gets rid of a residue of my cleaning solution that uses alcohol and a non-ionized detergent in water. So I clean, vacuum dry, wash with distilled water, vacuum dry again. I just use a squirt bottle to apply the water rinse. VPI now sell a higher end RCM that ranks above the HW17 in cost; I haven’t checked whether it too can clean both sides of an LP at the same time.
Anyone out there own a Clearaudio Double Matrix Pro Sonic?
I have resisted buying a record cleaning device for four decades. Just have not needed one. However recently I was given a collection of 78s and LPs from the 50's and they are filthy. I would have to change the water in a Spin Clean after every record. I have researched the topic to death and have decided on the Double Matrix Pro Sonic. My thinking is that it does not recycle cleaning solution and it vacuum dries the record removing all the water and filth. I watched You Tubes of it working but nothing is ever said about durability. I can get one new for $5,500.00 but for that kind of money I expect it to out last me.
Comments from users will be greatly appreciated.
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@mulveling , thanks for the info. I had a problem with a new Clearaudio cartridge and Musical Surroundings responded beautifully to that so I am very comfortable dealing with them, a big plus. I particularly like that it does not recycle the fluid. It uses fresh fluid for each cleaning. @lewm , The VPI Cyclone only does one side at a time. It's claim to fame is that it is bi directional. The plater will spin in either direction. It claims to be the only record cleaner to do that but, the Double Matrix has been doing that for several years. Mulveling lost a liquid pump at 4 years but it was repaired by Musical Surroundings I guess under warranty? Anybody else have one fail? |
1- Pre-wash dirty used LP’s in the sink, using a paint edging brush and one of the label protector/handle devices sold on ebay for under $20. 2- After cleaning and vacuuming one LP side on a VPI, place a cork or rubber coaster (with a center hole cut into it) under the LP when flipping it over to do the second side. |
Most of my vinyl has been kept in very good shape, I never buy filthy used records. I am still amazed at what an incredible job my VPI Cyclone does, and for the record it is also bi-directional.I don't obsess with flipping the record over onto a "dirty " mat because the vinyl would have to be dripping crud for that to be an issue IMO. |
- 17 posts total