In the latest The Absolute Sound

Albert - I don't believe there is a non-motor-powered arm version of the Loricraft. Perhaps the pictures on your linked pdf for the Loricraft are "deceiving" as they show the pickup arm not attached to a motor. Actually, the bottom of the pickup arm shaft contains a magnet that couples to another magnet on the arm motor. The coupling occurs with the arm in place, so the pictures don't hint at this. Note the picture on the left with the 3 switches; the middle switch engages the pickup arm motor. It might be easier to take a look at the Loricraft info at the SmartDevices web site. All models of the Loricraft shown there include motorized arm.

I think you are correct that the main difference between the KM and the German RCM is the push button fluid distribution and vacuum gauge. I believe it is the nature of the pickup head design shared by the Loricraft, Monks, and now another machine that yields superior cleaning. The concentration of vacuum a thread's width away from the vinyl may be more effective than the open slot of a VPI style vacuum head.

Happy New Year,
Tim

I don't understand your comparisons. The SME 20 or 30 and the VPI HRX versus the Walker Proscenium Gold? You must not have heard these tables nor understand their technologies. The Walker stands alone and many times better than the rest of this crowd. I cannot speak about the Transrotor.

Someone is makiing a high margin on the new German RCM "The retail of the German RCM is $6500.00"
see on ebay and it sells for 2500 euro in Germany
http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:NWlzBqQ3wHUJ:cgi.ebay.de/Plattenwaschmaschine-Source-Odyssey-RCM-MKV_W0QQitemZ190038085775QQihZ009QQcategoryZ11383QQcmdZViewItem+Odyssey+RCM+MKV&hl=en&gl=au&ct=clnk&cd=1

Albert, I use the nitty gritty machine with the nitty gritty pure 2 cleaner and NO STATIC. I am sure I could improve on the vacuum thou

I get ZERO static with VPI and record research fluids, I check it and then just run a Carbon brush on it right before played anyway which grounds out and pulls any debris and static, the albums sound perfect, not a crackle or pop, so I have no plans to spend more on a machine..

But I have to mention I do not have to run the vacumme on the VPI more than about one rotation to completly dry the surface, if you go much over 2 rotations then yes you run the risk of some added static from the velvet type padded wand used on the vacumme tube. other than That I think its a little silly to worry too much about it, especially for this kinda money we are talking. But some have it so spend it!!

Albert,

I agree with Tim.

- my PRC3's arm is powered; so is the arm on every other Loricraft model currently on offer

- the arm is driven independently of the record groove; it traverses an ungrooved and/or non-spinning record just like a grooved and spinning one; it will even traverse and clean the bare platter, which I do from time to time to keep the mat clean

- best practice, as explained in the instructions, is to start the arm at the label and have it sweep outwards; you can use it the other way if you like variety ;-)

- I've never experienced liquid left behind in the runout groove, the lead-in groove or anywhere else

- twisting the thread spool by hand 1/4" after each sweep is a "chore" I can manage, especially if the alternative is paying $4,000 for someone to twist it for me!

I can certainly imagine improvements to the PRC-3, and Loricraft's newer models incorporate some of them, but what you've described so far may not address them.

- fluid dispensers only allow for one or two fluids; I use more than that

- a vacuum gauge would be useful if there's an adjustment, otherwise it serves no purpose

- string drive is a nicety that's not worth spending any money for (IMO of course)

- forward and reverse platter rotation with a slow speed for liquid distribution and brushing would be VERY useful; does the Odyssey offer that?

Best,
Doug