do record cleaning fluids soften the treble?

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.

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.

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.

Most fluids do this. I am very sensitive to this. The all roll of the highs to a certain degree. I was very frustrated and started to rince after my washes. This brings back the highs. Now, I do a double rince. Triple rince would be even better

Interesting comments above because my experience is different. Many of the fluids I have tried change the tonal balance by thinning the bass and accentuating the treble, making the overall sound brighter and thinner than the LP was to begin with. This varies in degree but has been true for me with all of the AI fluids, the Mint LP and some others whose names I am forgetting right now. The "super pure" water rinses have the same effect even when used without a cleaner.

The exceptions to this thinner/brighter change are Disc Doctor and (my current favorite) L'Art du Son.

The same results were obtained on my Nitty Gritty 2.5Fi and Loricraft vac machines.

Dave