best value - record cleaning machine

IMO the brushes and fluid are more critical than the machine. My VPI 16.5 just spins the record and sucks the fluid off, pretty simple really. Its the fluid and brushes that really get into the grooves. FWIW, I'm using Walker Solution with very good results. It takes more time than most since there are 3 steps, but like anything else, it takes time to do a thorough job.

The best option depends a lot on the volume of cleaning that you expect to be doing and the type of records that you will be requiring. I agree with above that a KAB-EV1, VPI 16.5, and steam cleaning are great alternatives and "work". If you are buying a few mostly new LPs you can be happy with a manual based option. If you are going to be scouring the thrifts and yard sales and end up cleaning quite a few records then a vpi 16.5 combined with steam would be a very helpful combination. I found the KAB to be very effective but love the convenience of the 16.5.

loricraft -

very quiet - you can have it in the same room as you are spinnig vinyl

records also dead quiet - much more effective at getting fluids out (combine with dstat for as close to silent vinyl)

you said best value - not least expensive

How quickly does a Loricraft do its job? Since I use three fluids, I'd have to multiply x3, and am trying to figure out how practical that would be. Thanks, Dave

dave

i do a record - both side - 4 step (Walker Fluids) in 10 minutes leasurely while I am listening to other vinyl in the same room

the vac barely gets in the way of the musical enjoyment

only problem with Walker - you mix up the enzymes for 10 records at a time - so plan on marathon cleaning sessions
good rainy day or evening stuff