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Just bought a nitty gritty, hear no difference.

Hi folks,

So I bit the bullet and bought a Nitty Gritty Record Doctor III, which is distributed only through Audio Advisor. It's a cheaper version of the 1.0- same functionality, with a slightly more utilitarian design, and $100 cheaper. I've cleaned about 10 records with it, and I hear absolutely no difference between records cleaned with the vacuum machine and those cleaned by my $10 record brush. What's the deal? I'm following the instructions to a T... I'd love to hear your ideas.

Thanks!
128x128lousyreeds1
lousyreeds1's avatar
lousyreeds1 OP
286 posts
 
Hi Muzikat,

Thanks for your response. The records I've cleaned have varied in dirtiness from just a bit of dust to old stains, and everything in between. I haven't heard a difference on a single record.

My turntable is ok, a KD-500 from the late 70s with a rega rb300 and grado gold cartridge. I was under the impression that vacuum cleaning vinyl would get rid of a substantial amount of the clicks and pops- I'm not as concerned about improvements in sound quality.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
there is no substitute for a stack of lint-free cloth and a big ole bottle of juice........rub well and air dry.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
If the records are very dirty they may need a couple good cleanings. Make sure you have good brushes and a good record cleaning solution. Everybody seems to have a favorite. Secondly, you want to try the "Enzymatic Formula" from Audio Intelligent. It's basically a pre-cleaner used prior to the record cleaning solution. It breaks down mold and other contaminants that resist the record cleaning solutions. Always use ultra pure water and buy a good carbon fiber brush.
Good luck
photon46
1,082 posts
 
Well, give us a little more informastion. What kind of system are you listening through? What kind of recordings did you clean & evaluate, new or old, clean lps or moldy old garage sale finds? Did you have a problem with ticks, pops, & groove noise before and does that still persist? Lastly, what kind of cleaning fluid did you use, the Nitty Gritty fluid I presume?
judy426
228 posts
 
Although there is an audible difference between a soiled and clean record, it is not night and day in most cases. A clean record will offer less background noise and more nuance/detail than one that is soiled. Relax and listen for the subtle sounds not the bass drum and cymbals.
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