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do record cleaning fluids soften the treble?

Over many years of cleaning records with fluids containing a surfactant (not specified) I have come to the opinion that the process leads to a very slight softening of the treble. After cleaning the sound was more"cosy" and less extended in the treble. However I did not get this effect with the VPI fluid that came with my 16.5 machine. It made the sound somewhat drier. Anyone else noticed this /these effects? Any idea why???
rrm
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stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I have used VPI and Nitty Gritty on and off for years but haven't noticed this. Different after cleaning but no pattern I have noticed. Maybe I missed it.
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Rrm, I agree with your findings, much like my own.

What confuses this issue is each persons cleaning methods, attention to detail, number of steps employed and even the brand of record cleaning machine used.

Mo Fi fluids (previously Record Research) if rinsed properly do not cause any problems, at least with my record cleaning machine.

The Audio Desk Glass (automatic-ultrasonic two side LP machine) is relatively neutral in the highs but does benefit from a final rinse with lab grade water. Unfortunately this requires a second machine.
opus88
530 posts
 
Based on my experiments, I have concluded if a record does not seem to need a cleaning, leave it alone. Like you, I've typically heard treble softening with a number of cleaners, however, when I strictly use a pure alcohol/water blend of 25% to 75%, I routinely get that "somewhat drier" sound you allude to.
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