Record Cleaning Machine

Just would like to comment some. Yes, as you say perhaps an advantage in one way, but a disadvantage IMO in two other ways. One, with the NG Platterless design, there is a lack of support under the LP when you scrub. Two, after application of fluids, and scrubbing, you then must flip the LP to Vacuum, and I can visualize fluids running off the LP, and going everywhere you don't want it.

At least with the VPI, like the majority of other cleaning machines both processes are done the same side, and any excess fluids-mistakes are always contained within the case, eliminating any messes.

The only "minor" gripes I have with the 16.5, and could be dealt with for not much money, is the design shortfall with Acyrlic Cover, in that you can damage the Arm Wand if it is in the rearward position, and you drop the Lid on it. The Lid Should've been slightly larger, sat on top of the Case with a dufferent style set of hinges.

Two, the machine lacks good ventilation, has a tendency to run warm-hot after a number of LPs. It could benefit from additional venting being placed at the Bottom Cover, and the addition of a small side mounted AC Pancake Fan. A huge 4" Fan probably wouldn't be necessary, and would only add to the machine's already almost intolerable noise from the Vacuum Motor.

Lastly, the Cork Platter Mat wasn't exactly the best choice of materials IMO, due to it's porous nature, and an inability to easily clean, or even see contaminants (dust-etc) if they were there. Again, could be easily dealt with cheaply, with self adhesive backed Rubber Sheeting available in 12" widths from people like McMaster-Carr. Stick to platter, use Platter as Template to cut Sheet, simple. One could easily cut three small holes for the Platter-Motor Arbor Mounting Screws if one perhaps needed future access to these Screws. One sheet should last many years of use, and would be a simple wipe with a clean towel in between LPs, or whenever one desires.

When you think about the cost of parts, and labor to make the 16.5, there actually isn't a whole lot of mark-up on these. Replacement Velvet Strips for the 16.5 Wand, as well as other Machines can be more cheaply gotten from Disc Doctor.

All in all, even with the minor gripes, I am very happy with this machine, and only regrets are I didn't buy one sooner. Hope this helps, and sorry for the long post. Mark

If you move up to the FI (fluid injection) NG models, you eliminate the problems listed above about fluids going everywhere. I also don't think there is that much fluid on the LP to really be too concerned about that, but everyones technique is different.

I've used a NG 1.5FI for years and really like it. My best friend audiophile has a VPI and likes it a lot. To me the VPI is a little more work than the NG FI models, but not a big deal.

Good listening.

Just a couple comments re Markd51's comment about the Nitty Gritty. I can scrub discs just fine on mine. Can't imagine wanting to bear down on them more than I already do. And I never spill anything when I flip them, but I have to confess I used to before I stopped overdosing with fluid. Just takes a little practice.

I use a cheap Nitty Gritty [Model 1 manual type] . Beside the unit I have an old DD Turntable that doesn't work [cheap] that I do the srubbing on . Then I turn the LP over and place it on the Nitty Gritty to suck off the solution . For a couple hundred $'s [cheaper if you find the Nitty Gritty used for $100 or so] this is a lot cheaper than the VPI or the Fluid Injection Nitty Gritty's .

I have had 3 VPIs since they were first introduced. Initially, I bought a Nitty Gritty to compare with the first VPI with the wand in the lid. I sold the Nitty Gritty to a friend who still has it. I had had a Keith Monks string cleaner in the early 70s, but sold it as a pain to operate. In 2001 on Sept. 14th while stranded in London, I went to the Hammersmith Show and heard the Loricraft. I bought one on returning to the States. Its main benefit is a clean string on which the vacuum arm rides as it crosses the record. One never has a contaminated wand crossing the vinyl.

The Loricraft also cleans better. I had very many records previously cleaned on the VPIs and found they sounded even better when cleaned with the Loricraft. The one liability of the Loricraft especially in these days of the weak dollar is that it is expensive. Record cleaning fluids also matter.