2. analog
  3. 1206056122

Loricraft Record Cleaning

I've put off buying a record cleaning machine for years now, and doing it by hand is just getting old (So am I for that matter). Seems like everyone has an opinion on which machine is best, but nothing really negative on the Loricraft machines.

I'm looking for a used machine if possible, and if someone has one and is tired of cleaning records period, let me know. If you can point me to a solution or have a reason why I'm completely out in left field, that's helpful as well.

Thanks for the input!
Paul
pkubica
pkubica OP
134 posts
 
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
yioryos's avatar
yioryos
723 posts
 
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
jazdoc
365 posts
 
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.
pkubica OP
134 posts
 
Yioryos: I agree with you completely... the units look really good and I'm sure will do the job. Like you, I have a small collection of records, probably less than 500 titles, but at least half of them are really good and worth the effort. I have mostly all the old Sheffield direct to disc, and MFD's half speed masters. I think cleaned properly they will sound stunning. I ordered the Hannl machine, L’Art du Son cleaning fluid and several hundred new clean sleeves. I'll know more in a week or two.
Paul
jahaira
108 posts
 
A friend, who owns a Loricraft after a few other machines, tried the steaming method on a few records, and now he is buying one steamer ($30). He used another friends steamer who bought it after knowing my results ( thanks to Crem1). The combination of the steamer and RCM seems to be the way to go, although the steamer along in a manual system is a tremendous alternative for those who can't invest in an expensive RCM.
More to discover