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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
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
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
CMO I have static problems in the winter and humidity problems in the summer. Both of these affect the sound of LPs. DOn't spend a bunch of money, but I wonder if a device for measuring relative humidity would let you get a handle on some of the static problem.

Plato do you have some problem with mental instability? Nothing Albert said deserved the scathing response you let fly. He was simply relating his experience!

Albert struggles to pay the bills and put food on the table just like anyone who posts here. I have known him for a couple of years and visited him twice. I have never observed him looking down on another person, or speaking abusively about their situation. I have seen him go out of his way to help a fellow traveler, and take a financial loss when one of those travelers stole from Albert when he was trying to help.
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