Yet another VPI 16.5 thread


I am considering buying an RCM and am looking at the VPI 16.5. I was looking at some of the threads about it here on A-Gon and I still had some questions.

As best I can tell this thing works by mannually applying the cleaner and the all the machine really does is vacuum it off? Is this correct or is there some other function to the machine? Does it have a resevoir for the used fluid that can them be emptied?

The one thing that concerns me is build quality. There are a lot of people who seem to have them long-term without trouble, but there also seem to be some folks who get them to find wires detached and other QC issues. Does reliability seem to be an ongoing issue with these things?

Finaly, would there be an advantage to spending a little more on somthing like the Sota machine which is a two-arm automatic application setup? The main disadvantage that I can see with automatic application is that it only pumps one kind of fluid, where with a manual machine you can easily use a multi-step process like the Walker system.

Thanks!
grimace
I've had mine since 1980! Best investment I've ever made and the only piece of gear I still haven't upgrade, (several hundred times)...
To Mofimadness,

What? You haven't put a $1000 power cord on your 16.5? You have no idea how clean your records can be!

Wendell
Wendell,

No, I haven't tried the power cord, but the Tice Clock made it spin backwards. :-)
Grimace,

Mine has been worry-free for many years. Coupled with Walker Quartet, I am very happy with performance and relative value. If ever needed, VPI support is friendly & expert, although not always easiest to reach(Tues-Thurs only).

Wendell, my teleportation tweak allows me to clean LPs located in other time zones. Cheers,
Spencer
I've owned a new 16.5 for about 16-17 months now.

The build quality of the machine is professionally executed, in, and out, totally first rate. Nothing I've found was haphazardly put together, to give any dislike to. All internal wiring is neat, bundled, properly executed, the assembly of the MFD Laminated Case is done precisely, is extremely neat, no sloppy assembly at all in that regard.

Fancy woods-materials, or better quality materials for Wand Tower Assembly, which is Delrin, the use of something other than MDF Platter, and some more costly components would add to cost, but essentially do nothing to improve the cleaning efficiency of the prouct.

As I once believe Harry said himself a long time ago, his priorities, were to make a good machine, that the masses could afford, and I believe he has accomplished that goal. Mark