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Record is noisier after cleaning:

Hello, I have recently got back into Vinyl and am enjoying it so far except for one frustrating thing at the moment.
I have fielded this question on another forum as well (just so you know), but I thought it couldn't hurt to get some thoughts here as well.

I have the Pro-Ject Xpression III I bought about 12 days ago.
I listened to a new LP of Dave Brubeck's Time Out without cleaning it. It sounded wonderful, very quite, just a couple of pops on side 1.

Then a few days later I got the VPI 16.5. Yesterday I cleaned the very same record using the VPI RCF and brush that came with the machine. I followed the VPI instructions only. I played the record right away after the cleaning and surprisingly it was noisier then before the cleaning. There were many more pops and clicks. The surface noise during the quieter tracks was much higher.

I've been using a carbcn fibre brush before every play and also one of those dry stylus brushes as well.

Afterwards I tried some other ideas. I cleaned the record again but this time after the vacuuming I let it air dry for an hour. It seemed to be quieter then before but still not near the noise free it was before.

I played it again this morning to get a reference and then cleaned it a third time but this time I also rinsed it with distilled water twice and vacuumed it one rotation each time for the rinse. I played it and again it is noisy.

I don't see any obvious dirt or lint on the stylus. Anyway, I played a used clean copy of Oscar Peterson's we get request without cleaning it on my VPI and it sounded very nice. Very little surface noise and I don't think I heard any pops and clicks if I remember correctly. So I don't think my stylus is really badly dirty or anything.

So I am not sure what is happening, why the Time Out LP has become noisier after the cleaning. I am afraid of cleaning my other new records right away until I know what I am doing wrong.

Also, it appears the VPI RCF and brush isn't very popular. Is that correct? Should I get another RCF and brush?

Thanks,

-- Sanjay
schugh
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
You may have partially dissolved debris or mold release compounds still clinging in places.

If the LP was used (you did not state) and damaged by previous owner, the noise you hear may have always been there but covered up by "cleaning" with a silicone cloth, record spray or other treatments.

I suggest Premier record cleaner for all used and new LP's. Premier is a new Dupont compound replacing (EPA banned) Freon. Anything on the record will be put into solution or removed completely by Premier and then a couple of washes afterward should make the LP not only quieter than before, but better sounding as well.

Exception listed above, that LP is damaged in which case only a new record will make you right.

I also suggest one of the enzyme based cleaners after the Premier. My favorites are the Mobil Fidelity Enzyme sold at Music Direct or Walker Audio.
schugh OP
19 posts
 
Thanks. Albertporter it was a new sealed LP.

-- Sanjay
chashmal
605 posts
 
I have had that happen with my VPI. I open a sealed brand new record and play it. It has some noise and pops. Then I clean it and there is a change, but maybe not for the better. However other times I repeat this whole process and it works like a charm.
CONCLUSION: not all records are created equal. It is not the machine or cleaning solution, it is latent flaws in the vinyl like everyone here is suggesting. This has happened to me many times (for better or worse) ever since I got my VPI.
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty
1,079 posts
 
I second what roblanger said, use a Zerostat gun to remove the static.
eldarado
381 posts
 
Not to hyjack the thread but, Freon (R-12) has been banned from being produced in USA for well over a decade. R-134a, the propellant called out on the spec sheet, was around before 1995. Both used in refrigeration and as a propellant in spray cans. R-134a is toxic and if too much is inhaled will do damage to your lungs. Probably won't be too much of an issue cleaning records but, I wouldn't use it.

Just my .02.

I am curious what the actual cleaning solvent is as the R-134a (the propellant of the solvent) will disolve within seconds of leaving the can.
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