Steam cleaning records 2

One quick follow-up. I have noted seasonal adjustment issues with SME , Rega , All "S" arms & Grace. In my view all tonearms are subject to adjustment issues that affect tonality, midrange-smearing and mis-tracking.

The analogy would be air pressure to car tires. All car tires require perodic checks to determine correct air pressure. Subtal changes can not be seen with the eye. A air gauge is used to balance out the air reading for each tire. Wally Kits and other set-up adjustment tools are required to assure the tonearm is operating at the manufactures recommendations. The changes can range all over the spectrum , re-adjustment is required to return the tonearm to optimal operating conditions. Without such adjustments you are flying by the "seat-of-your pants" in analog.

When one steams a record , the recording silghtly swells someting measurable in a Lab setting. It is for that reason I always recommend a "rest" period prior to playback for the LP to re-sizes itself. The same is true when one plays a LP. The phono stylas heats the vinyl for a thousandths of a second ever-so-slightly distorting the grove that needs to re-size itself in about 1/2hr. It is for that reason a quick replay of a LP side may sound "smoother" when actually its slightly smearing/blurring delicate details the second time around. The variables in playback are such that even record cleaning using a RCM w/ cleaning fluids may sound "smooth" on a newly cleaned LP when what one is actually hearing is residue of the fluid deep in the grove acting as a filter to the needle as it glides over the grove.

It is for that reason some analog'ers perfer "wet playback" that smoothes the sound at the cost of detail.

When one over-lays all of these observations its not difficult to recognize why in analog playback is so challenging ... To view the "Turrents of OZ" not just the bricks on the road... Bats 'an all.

Nickiguy's analysis is spot on. My view for the widely varying results stem from variables such as how the work is performed , the cleaning machines (included or excluded), the use of a record cleaning fluid vs water , as well as, what type of water from Tap to NERL. And I agree that steaming is time consuming. Thankfully, one does not steam with every playback.

As for record cleaning fluids, it is my view Audio Intelligence Products and Disc Doctor are examples of superior products available to the consumer. Of course, homebrew is certianly available but only if you know what your doing. Smearing home made goop is no more a benefit than rubbing sand on the groves.

In my view, AI & DD fluids do very well is to "lift" the gunk & dispence some in the air & dilute the contaminates. They dislodge some of the sonic fingerprint. In my opinion the only way to remove the sonic finger print is thru Steaming or pure water baths , most likely both. Now, that is time consuming.

And lastly an explaniation for the widely varring results ? Some , a few, ain't Steaming tat' all. Their questions or responses do not reflect hands-on experience. They , for-what-ever-reason(s) , comment on what they, in my view, do not know.

I do know I hear no residue when using Audio Intelligient cleaners. I think I'd rather steam clean my carpet than records....

Thread : Well Tempered Amadues's Use of a Golf Ball.

Actual Posted Comment:

"Such arrogance,such idotic babble. How can you comment on something you haven't experienced ?"

Posted by Chashas1, dated 2/17/09, Post # 53 ...

Hi Crem, you're funny... and touche, I suppose...

All right then, how do you propose I hear a steamed cleaned record? If we lived in close proximity it would be worth the drive for me to hear the wonder of wonders. Or if I send you a record will you steam it for me? I'm not defending the cleaning method I'm using now, the Audio Intelligent, I'm just saying when I use it I hear nothing but the music flowing out, if it's a good recording/pressing to begin with, much much better than if I hadn't used it at all, that sort of black between the notes reviewers talk about.
I'm not against your steaming totally, it just seems like a lot of work when you have a product that seems to be doing a dandy job, why make things harder on yourself?
Plus, a friend has done some checking with the Library of Congress, who he defers to on all matters of media, seems to go contrary to your opinion, and offers their own formula for a cleaner. Again, it's not the be all end all, but maybe neither is your steaming.

And as for the golf ball, you can chide me all you want. I was warned when I got one some people would make with the cracks. So I gave a short retort. I didn't think I was attacking your steaming method. More like I was bothered by your pontification of it.

And, you didn't answer when I asked what your comment was regarding SOTA. If you're using a sota table, then we have nothing further to discuss....

good luck and take care