Advantages of upgrade from VPI 16.5 RCM

Sonofjim analyzed the situation well. The machines you mentioned all use the same basic technology, a vacuum wand straddling the record surface, covered with "felt" to prevent scratching. This limits performance compared to the differently designed Loricraft, Keith Monks and Odyssey. A 6" vacuum slot is too large to allow really high air velocities and the felts are constantly being contaminated, requiring multiple wands and frequent felt changes (depending on how picky you are).

The string-based machines have neither of these limitations. Having used both a VPI 16.5 and my Loricraft PRC-3, I can tell you the Loricraft is far quieter and it vacuums notably better. OTOH, it is a bit slower. For our particular needs, which demand ridiculously clean records, the PRC-3 is a no-contest winner. We'd never consider any wand style machine, the technology is inherently limited.

Whether such an upgrade is worth the extra cost and somewhat longer cleaning times is an individual choice. FWIW, the time spent cleaning isn't a total loss. The Loricraft is quiet enough so you can listen to music (not critically) while cleaning. No one ever did that while running a VPI.

My friend, guess others have summed it up pretty well so far, , and as Doug has explained, these machines he speaks of use a whole different pricipal for the removal of fluids. They are as well, a bit more complex, and one probably has to learn the little tricks with these machines to insure you are getting the most from them.

I've read about them a bit, and the thread feed is something you have to get the hang of, and most is just good common sense, like having the recovery jar on the Loricraft screwed tight, and things along these lines.

I would assume any machine like the VPI, that uses a vacuum wand to suck fluids, is also grinding a slurry of filth mixed with the fluids into the record as well at the same time.

I would imagine that the detriment is closely related to how filthy the records were from the beginning.

For one who is mechanically, and electrically adept, the 16.5 can be improved upon, and enhanced, with a spare vacuum Wand, doing a rinse with a sepeerate wand to reduce cross contamination, self adhesive Rubber Sheeting could replace the Cork Platter Mat, as you'll note many of the better, more costly machines like the Loricraft use a Rubber Platter Mat.

A Muffin Fan can be added to the 16.5, keeping the machine running cool enough to run 24/7, without a hiccup. And lastly, the machine could be lined with an insulating material, which should help squelch some of the horrid noise. Of course, it won't entirely eliminate it, and this is one of the 16.5's biggest dislikes-shortcomings.

As for auto application of fluids, I see no advantage with any other machine, if you are going to use a multi-step process, as manual application of the various fluids will still need to be employed.

And I cannot actually see-imagine any advantage to reversing the Platter Motor upon vacuuming. With manual Scrubbing, one can scrub in both directions to thier heart's content.

Of course my friend, the choice must be yours. If I had the mad money, the Loricraft would be a choice of mine as well, but the 16.5 serves me very well, and I'm happy. With the AVIS Fluids, I'm using all four steps, including the Archivist Formula, and two rinse steps with the Ultra Pure Water. I'm definitely light years ahead of what I used for so many years. It's only when I flick that Vacuum Switch, that whoever is in the house at the time, wants to strangle me! lol Mark

sunnyboy,

I asked after your buying habits to get a gauge of your cleaning requirements. From the sounds of it, the 16.5 or loricraft (in the future) is being/will be put to good use! :)

I have seen/heard a lori in action and it is a wonderful piece of machinery. Presently I'm having difficulty justifying the size... note not price. I'm personally leaning towards a Hannl for that same reason. Small footprint, quiet(ish) Various nice to have features; variable speed, bi-directional, seemingly well built.

I do appreciate the downside of the wand, but life is full of compromises! I don't think my system nor ears are up to hearing the differences anyway. The Hannl I think will get me 90-95% of the way there. Just for the sake of putting a number to it!

All the Best

Thanks for the tip about Acoustic Sounds used vinyl. I had considered it in the past but ruled it out due to the lack of grading or info about condition. I will now reconsider.