New to vinyl again

I vote for forgetting the RCM. I use the Disc Doctor manual system with fantastic results.

For new records I play them first before cleaning. I sweep first with a carbon fiber brush to assure there are no large chunks that might scratch, then I clean with a micro fiber cloth to really get into the grooves and finally use the ZeroStat to remove the static that the process adds. Then I play the record. One of my latest, the Analogue Productions 180 gram, 45 rpm version of Hugh Mesekala's "Hope" is silent as an SACD. So I will not clean that. Most new LPs do not require wet cleaning, in my experience.

For used records and my own older LPs that need it (only about 10%), I use the Disc Doctor system, carefully following the directions. It works like a charm.

Try DD first, before you drop a bundle on a RCM. If you're not happy with DD, then consider a machine.

Let your ears be the guide.

Dave

How about this question... has anyone who bought an RCM after hand washing regretted their decision? All I hear is guys who didn't voting against something they've never tried. I would think not trying something instead of trying something is a self fulfilling prophecy.

02-13-08: Headsnappin said:
"How about this question... has anyone who bought an RCM after hand washing regretted their decision? All I hear is guys who didn't voting against something they've never tried. I would think not trying something instead of trying something is a self fulfilling prophecy."

You're jumping to conclusions. Thankfully I've never owned a RCM; however, I have paid a shop a per-reocrd fee to clean some records with a VPI. My Disc Doctor manual system did a better job.

The beauty of manual labor is that you can focus your efforts where they're needed the most. For a general cleaning I suppose that a RCM could do as well; however, when there a fingerprints or a concentrated dirty spot, you can really focus on that with a manual system. I easily vary the strength of the cleaning solution by having two bottles ready. Rinse with copious amounts of distilled water, while using a rinsing-only brush and you end up with a great result.

The keys, IMHO, are using properly designed brushes and a cleaning solution designed specifically to work with record vinyl.

I see nothing wrong with properly operated RCMs, but I don't think that it's an essential component as some seem to imply. Anyone that wants one or enjoys having one should use it wisely.

Let your ears tell you the answers.

Dave

Hey Dave, fair enough, I stand corrected.