That is a good perspective on steam cleaning. I could see how the records do actually have a more thorough cleaning with that method and therefore will have an improved sound when being played.
record cleaning findings/puzzle
Hello Gentlemen,
I have been experimenting today with steam cleaning my records. I am looking for support of my findings.
I used 2 identical records ( as well as others ) one I cleaned with the vpi 16.5 and my homebrew 25% isopropyl(99%), 75% distilled water (pharmacy)
Steps
1.Mo-fi brush one 2-3 cycle with cleaner, vacuum 2 cycle
2.audioquest brush, distilled water rinse 2 cycle, vacuum
3.Play
(The brushes were just ones I had around, I did not pick these for any particular reason)
The other record was cleaned with the same brushes, same method, but I also used the hand held steamer during steps 1 and 2. I kept the steam on the record 2-4 inches away, for duration of scrubbing.
I assume there is a sonic print to my solution, is achohol typically bright/harsh sounding?
Between the 2, at first I found the steamed ones to sound more organic, maybe slightly rolled off in the highs, but just warmer and more detailed everywhere else except the highs.
When I play the Alcohol only, cleaned record the highs are more present/forward, and noticeable, but upon further listening I notice a lack of depth because of it. trick details.
Here's the good part:
I then switched the cleaning methods for both records ( and others as well) and the sonic footprints followed each method onto each record. I did this back and forth 3 times with this pair and four times on another single record.
I am assuming I am hearing my solution, but could the steam somehow be reacting with my brushes and maybe melting them, or leaving something I am hearing on the surface which is damping the highs. At first I thought I wrecked the records, then I started to notice the inner details in the rest of the spectrum other then the highs, and when I added my solution again, the highs came back, now sounding to strong and glaring.
Which is the real sound of this record?
Has anyone else found this too?
Thanks,
Mike
I have been experimenting today with steam cleaning my records. I am looking for support of my findings.
I used 2 identical records ( as well as others ) one I cleaned with the vpi 16.5 and my homebrew 25% isopropyl(99%), 75% distilled water (pharmacy)
Steps
1.Mo-fi brush one 2-3 cycle with cleaner, vacuum 2 cycle
2.audioquest brush, distilled water rinse 2 cycle, vacuum
3.Play
(The brushes were just ones I had around, I did not pick these for any particular reason)
The other record was cleaned with the same brushes, same method, but I also used the hand held steamer during steps 1 and 2. I kept the steam on the record 2-4 inches away, for duration of scrubbing.
I assume there is a sonic print to my solution, is achohol typically bright/harsh sounding?
Between the 2, at first I found the steamed ones to sound more organic, maybe slightly rolled off in the highs, but just warmer and more detailed everywhere else except the highs.
When I play the Alcohol only, cleaned record the highs are more present/forward, and noticeable, but upon further listening I notice a lack of depth because of it. trick details.
Here's the good part:
I then switched the cleaning methods for both records ( and others as well) and the sonic footprints followed each method onto each record. I did this back and forth 3 times with this pair and four times on another single record.
I am assuming I am hearing my solution, but could the steam somehow be reacting with my brushes and maybe melting them, or leaving something I am hearing on the surface which is damping the highs. At first I thought I wrecked the records, then I started to notice the inner details in the rest of the spectrum other then the highs, and when I added my solution again, the highs came back, now sounding to strong and glaring.
Which is the real sound of this record?
Has anyone else found this too?
Thanks,
Mike
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- 31 posts total
If you want the cleanest solvents, perhaps 'Semi Grade', those used in the semiconductor industry where any metalic /ionic (mobil ion) or heavy metal contam will destroy the devices. You can write chemical companies for the MSDS and analysis sheets which should list the analysis of the chemical in question. |
Well, I show some pics from my cleaning solution after doing the job. I use a Source Odyssey, it is based on the famous Keith Monks, Point nozzle, ... Here you see the fluid after 30 records, grading from new to VG+ (used) Cleaning solution or Cleaning solution-1 You can hear the difference :-) |
Inpenninovations states that only the alcohol from the alkyl portion of the phthalate ester used as a plasticiser will dissolve it. This is chemical nonsense. Use enough methanol even and you'll dissolve any long-chain alkyl phthalate. In any case, my point was that these alkyl phthalate plasticisers are not present in the vinyl mix used to make LPs. Plasticity is conferred by other molecular means. Look it up. |
- 31 posts total