Back to basics


I would like to understand the process that deteriorates the surface of an LP and makes those "pops" and "clicks" appears forever. I know that there is friction involved when the stylus runs across the LP but will be great to go deeper (for example how interacts the stylus and LP materials and how that creates the problems that I mention -if thats the origin of those problems-). If there is a link where I can find what Im looking for will be perfect to know where to go.
jorsan
Jorsan,

When I mean steam I'll say "steam". :-)

Unlike most who've tried it and reported results, we found steam cleaning did not match our existing process. Steaming was certainly faster, easier and less expensive, but it didn't meet our particular needs - which those who know us will tell you are nuttier than most.

The results we desire need four fluids, five dedicated brushes and six vacuum passes/side on a $2K+ Loricraft record cleaning machine. All this takes 20-25 minutes/side, which many people would find not worth their time. Over the years we've tried less costly RCM's, fewer and different fluids and reduced soak times, but the results suffered and we ended up recleaning the LP, which wasted more time and money than doing it right the first time.

This isn't to say that you or anyone need go to such lengths, though several other Audiogoners do. Your specific goal of eliminating the large majority of clicks and pops (90%+, as Dan suggested) can be accomplished with a 3-4 minute soak in AIVS's One Step Solution.

Vacuum removal of fluids is certainly best, and some machines do it better than others. You can mod a $25 Shop Vac from Walmart. You can buy a $2-3K Loricraft record cleaning machine. There are many RCM's in between, starting around $200. But even if you only wipe with a clean, microfiber cloth followed by air drying (as some steamers do) your records will be quieter and most large, sharp transients will be gone.

How much further you want to go is a personal choice, but no one need listen to clicks and pops. The only exception is an LP that's permanently damaged, which nothing will fix.

Doug
An excellent, affordable machine: (http://www.vpiindustries.com/products_165.htm)
Thanks Doug and Rodman99999 for your comments, Im learning a lot this last week. Good to know that there are several options to get rid of (almost) all that anoying sounds that I thought are inherent to LPs. This is another reason to return to analog and maybe never back to digital. Honestly this last 3/4 days I have been listening several LPs and found some of them that sounds like heaven, higher, MUCH higher that their similar digital counterpart.
The pains that some go through to provide a better end product for us will go a long way with regards to your listening enjoyment. An excellent place to shop for high quality pressings: (http://www.elusivedisc.com/default.asp) No connection, just a happy customer.