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I finally bought a record cleaning machine $

I finally bought a RCM (VPI 16.5). While it most definitely makes for blacker backgrounds and removes a lot of the ticks and pops I seem to be picking up a lot of new noise that wasn't there before (a static sound). I am using Record Research Labs cleaner and (Deep cleaner on the really dirty stuff) followed by Last record preservative. I am trying not to run the vacum any more than I have to, as I read this can cause excessive static. My room is not overly dry or anything............... So what gives. Right now I am kinda bummed; I thought this was going to be the holy grail of those perfectly noise free records I have been dreaming about. Am I missing something? Do I have to spend more $$$ on one of those Zerostat guns?

Please help.

Chris

P.S. Sorry if this has already been discussed. I am lazy to search through the myriad of posts on RCM's right now.
cmo
plato
1,543 posts
 
Hey Guys,

Sorry for my rant. But many of us here have so much to be thankful for... In light of recent events, when someone with so much is concerned that he "can't afford" to replace a few records, well, it just set me off. Perhaps it was just a case of an ill-considered choice of words.

I just think that from time to time we all need to take a look around and recognize all the things, great and small, for which we should be truly grateful.
g_m_c
443 posts
 
Plato, I feel your comments about Albert are uncalled for. I suspect he does not abuse his records because he is not wasteful, not because he can't afford them. I respect his attitude and his demeanor on this board. Also, I think we all somewhat understand the magnitude of problems with the Katrina victims, and I am sure we all contribute in our own way. Let's keep it civil. Thanks
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Cmo, one additional thought about some of the noise, and this may not be "politically correct" to comment on: my experience has been that turntable systems ('table, arm and cartridge) are very different with respect to the amount of background noise one hears. Some are flat out just better at that deep quiet background than others. Albert's Walker turntable is one of the best there is in this regard, if not the best. All others will have some higher level of residual background noise. For example, with the same care in cleaning, the VPI-19 I used and loved for so many years could never approach the background silence achieved by a SME or the Walker.

And, as Albert suggests in his second post, what you describe also sounds to me exactly like what I hear when a cleaned record has not been thoroughly rinsed.

And Plato: give it a rest.

Regards,
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Where do you live Cmo? Static at this time of the year is not common. I suggest you rinse your records in distiled water. I would also suggest that you delete the Last treatment and see if that is the problem. I have not used Last in many years just for the reason that my records got noisy after using it.
narrod
1,064 posts
 
Rushton, you nailed it. The playback system has much to do with it. I have a TNT6/Wheaton/Helikon, Linn/Ittok/Grado, Oracle/SME/Blackbird and Horizon/Rega/Denon connected in my system at all times. I like them all but the VPI wins handsdown when it comes to music coming from a black background.

Wendell
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