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disappointing VPI 16.5 performance??

I just got my 16.5 up and running. I chose to throw some challenging records at it right away because they are really the reason I got the VPI. One is an older recording of a couple oboe sonatas. The other is a brand new Metallica re-master by MoFi.both continue to have high surface noise: the oboe recording seems to have tiny spots all over it, like spotty glasses after washing dishes. It was like that when I got it. The Metallica was horribly contaminated right out of the jacket: debris, "gunk", paper strands, etc.

I'm using MoFi Deep Cleaner, Super Wash, and their brushes, with a double distilled rinse with the VPI brush. Is there something else I can try. There has been some improvement, but not as much I'd like to see.
ethanw
rick_hilton
46 posts
 
You might run a search regarding steam cleaning your records. I own a VPI 16.5 and use both steam and disc doctor cleaning fluid. The combination of steam and fluid has worked miracles on many of my used and new records. I have purchased a few records where dirt has been pressed into the vinyl, and nothing seems to make a difference. Most of those recording are from Verve & Rhino. Anyways, give the steam cleaning a shot! I don't think you will be disapointed.

Good Luck!
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Great machine use Record Reserch labs fluids.Use Mobil Fidelity brush as well.
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ncarv
983 posts
 
On tough records, I use the same process as Rick Hilton.
Be aware . . . some used records look great but sound terrible. (Some look terrible, but don't sound too bad at all!) Visual grading is no guarantee. If the previous user didn't have the cartridge set up right, there could be groove wear that will always result in noise. Also, mold is often (usually?) difficult (impossible?) to remove.
vinyladdict
164 posts
 
The other thing nobody seems to be mentioning is that they may just be bad pressings that no amount of cleaning will solve; or, as Ncarv mentioned, groove damage on used LP's.

I have found that numerous "audiophile" pressings, like the Metallica you mention - which I believe was actually only mastered by MoFi and pressed by RTI - suffer from an unacceptable level of surface noise.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Steam is the answer. Very inexpensive ($30)and when used in conjunction with the 16.5 should solve most of your problem.
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