Loricraft Record Cleaning

I have been investigating a step up from my 16.5

What I have found is that for multi-step cleaning fluids, the VPI or Loricraft/Monks seem to be the only machines that fit the bill.

For my VPI I have a second tube holder and tube that slides in and out
for Audio Intelligent steps 1 and 2. The Clearaudio seems like a great machine, but there is no way to change cleaning tubes, which seems to be needed to avoid cross contamination with the enzyme cleaner and the next steps. 2 steps already seems like a lot of effort, so I pass on the last pure water step.

So for that reason I am thinking about going with a VPI Typhoon. The added suction I believe gets the fluid off in 1 pass, so it should be on less time than my 16.5 which needs 2-3 rotations to dry.

I use earmuff type ear protection when I hit the Vacuum button.

Just FYI I just received the brand new Audio Intelligent brushes. They seem to work really well at spreading the fluid and lightly scrubbing the LP.

I tend to pre clean very dirty records with a Carbon brush prior to putting on the VPI, so nothing really dirty goes on the cork platter.

Also I clean the VPI tube felt area after each use with a small brush. My tubes tend to last many years this way, and of course won't scratch an LP with embeded dirt.

Anyone gone from a 16.5 to a typhoon?

Emailists, thanks for the report on the AI brushes. I'll have to give them a try.

Thanks to everyone for the good dialog on record cleaning machines. I went through the info carefully and checked all the machines again. Cytocycle offered a tidbit on the Hannyl RCM, a machine that I hadn't heard of before. Their machines look very good.

They clean much like a VPI, but have a much quieter vacuum motor. They also have grounded the pickup arm to help eliminate static. They are also very nice looking machines and fall into a reasonable price range (Hannyl Micro is under $1400.).

One of their dealers is The Cable Company and they seem like a good group to work with. I'll order one tomorrow and should have it in a about two weeks. I still have to pick out a good cleaning solution, brushes and of course some new clean sleeves. I can't wait to give my old Sheffields a cleaning.

Paul

Paul
I checked the Hannl and Clearaudio Matrix record cleaners.They all look very impressive,and seriously designed machines.In comparison the VPI 16.5 looks like a toy.I only have 350 LP's,so I am not sure if I can spend this kind of money on a RCM.How much did yours cost?Please let us know of first impressions when you get it and start using it.
Thanks
George

I am in the process of upgrading my analog front-end and based on a dealer's recommendation, I recently purchased a Loricraft 4. The Loricraft replaced an ancient Nitty Gritty machine. I have not auditioned or done a formal comparison against other contenders such as the Keith Monks or Clearaudio.

I have cleaned approximately 40 records and can say without hesitation that in my system, I consider this addition at least equivalent to a major compenent upgrade. I have noticed a singnificant improvement in all of the records cleaned to date. There is significantly decreased noise and significant increase in subtle low level information. Upper frequencies sound crisper without sibilance and there is improvement in the quality and quantity of lower frequency information. Most importantly, I find myself playing less well recorded albums and enjoying the performances and not preferentially choosing audiophile or well-recorded discs. The music is more involving and fun and I find myself listening more intently and unable to multitask when a record is playing.

If you have a large investment in vinyl, I can unequivocally recommend a high quality record cleaning machine as a necessary component on a par with a quality arm or cartridge.