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Record Cleaning Machine RCM

My present vinyl collection consists of about 100 LPs. On average, I purchase about 3-5 new LPs per year when the annual HI-FI Show comes to town. I've always purchased new with the odd purchase coming from friends for mint condition used LPs. My analog set-up is a VPI Scoutmaster.

I've read some very positive comments concerning the benefits of using a RCM and I'm serioulsy considering purchasing one.

For the money, I'm looking at the VPI HW-16.5 but I've read posts where people are complaining about how hot the unit gets due to the lack of a cooling fan while others have complainted about the noise. Should I be concerned?

My next choice up would be the VPI HW-17 but this unit costs about 2.5x more.

Suggestions / comments?
agiaccio
lak's avatar
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lak
4,645 posts
 
I agree with the above positive posts. I’ve owned and use my 16.5 for three years now and have experienced no problems. It might be the best machine to buy for the price. I would only consider replacing it if I was going to purchase a Loricraft (RCM) which sells for several thousands of dollars.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
I had the 16.5 and it worked well I didn't use it so much, but when you only have 100 Records and you buy about 5 per year then go for it. The Danger of getting deaf is minor. I bought some earplugs...
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Just for a different flavor, I DON'T own a VPI and never have, but I agree with the above posters.

For a modest sized record collection the noise won't happen often/long enough to matter. Just wear ear plugs like Syntax said (the VPI's have been measured at nearly 90db). Overheating, even if a theoretical issue, is unlikely ever to be a real one. Worst case: turn it off and wait an hour.

If you become sufficiently fanatical it might make sense to spend more for BETTER record cleaning. But that would cost at least 4X more (Loricraft, used Keith Monks).
stereomaniac
75 posts
 
I like my Sota RCM. It has a fan like the more expensive VPI. But it is loud. I wear Stihl ear protection when I use it which I got at the hardware store. Nitty Gritty machines are good too if you don't clean too many records. But definitely get something! It's worth it.
tubetan
24 posts
 
I've got a VPI 16.5 and the only thing that becomes hot is the spindle. After the fourth or fifth album (2-sides, three scrubs each side) I notice it getting hot.

By that time the first one I cleaned is dry enough to play. I rack them in a plastic-coated wire dish rack from Target so they can air dry after coming off the VPI. I never put them back into the sleeve immediately after cleaning.

I go listen to a side of a freshly cleaned album and am motivated to continue. I'm backlogged about 600 albums so I should be cleaning, not posting!

Eric
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