Suggestions for an effective record cleaning kit??


I have just purchased a new Rega turntable and have gotten back into analog. I need some advice about record cleaning accessories. I currently use a "spray on" cleaner called "Premier" which seem OK, but it is hard to judge if it is really doing the job. Several years ago, I bought a basic "Needle Doctor" record cleaning machine that in my opinion did very little to improve the sound of my LP's.. I have generally taken good care of my limited collection, but some are just old with varying degrees of pops, clicks and noise. I still have a copy of Cat Stevens "Tea for The Tillerman" purchased in 1972---it actually sounds decent. Thanks, Jim
sunnyjim
For machines, IMO the best bang for the buck is the VPI 16.5. Audio Advisor in Michigan also sells a proprietary Nitty Gritty machine called I think the Record Doctor.
If you don't want to spend $500, and don't mind a little work, the Disc Doctor system works well for a fully manual solution http://www.discdoc.com/
I have a copy of "Tea" as well, and it really is not just decent, but quite wonderful. My experience is that steam cleaning cleans better than any spray, machine, et al. There are lots of comments on steam cleaning on Audiogon. You really might check those posts. Also, although cleaning is a good thing, don't expect the finished results to be as rewarding as is a good setup/system.
No time to fool around. Nothing but a Keith Monk's professional unit will do. You can land a brand new, double platter unit for about $5,000., but after that you will never need another record cleaning machine. Think of all the time ou will save looking for something better. Best of all is the when we have your estate sale, your heirs will be $5,000. richer, as these never brake down.
I've never tried the steam cleaning machines; MapleShade carries one but I cannot remember what it costs. I am pretty sure that they have an unconditional 30-day money back guarantee...

I use the VPI 16.5 and it seems to work pretty well. I'd go for that.... Check AudiogoN's for sale items as well as eBay, perhaps you can pick up one that is used...
I have owned both a Nitty Gritty 1.0 and now a VPI 16.5. I prefer the 16.5 for its automation, but an automated Nitty Gritty might be just as easy and effective to use. I am not familiar with Premier spray on cleaner. Most spray cleaners in cans I would think leave a residue of some kind. You should check the ingredients of this cleaner before you continue to use it. I use Walker's Prelude record cleaning system which might be more than you need or want. I think the VPI Record Cleaning Solution works quite well as a one step cleaner and is obviously a match to a VPI RCM. I might add that the VPI at least allows you the ability to go to a multiple step cleaning system like the Walker Prelude should you wish to do so now or later. The most basic RCMs without any automation are not user friendly for a multi-step cleaning system like the Walker and while the initial price might attractive today, the most basic machine might outlive its usefulness in a year or two.