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Different Results between Record Cleaning Machines


The last thread on Record Cleaning Machines (RCMs) in 2009 covered the simple to the exotic in machinery.

RCMs haven't changed much since then, but AIVS has released 'Solution 15,' an enzyme cleaning solution, to augment their three bottle cleaning kit.

I have an older VPI RCM (the 16, not the 16.5). After cleaning with AIVS chemistry on my VPI my records, one Warner Brothers (Sweet Baby James), one RCA (Bridge Over Troubled Waters), both from 1970, didn't sound as quiet as the LPs cleaned on my friend's Loricraft using exactly the same chemistry and very similar technique. We noted a couple of things.

First, the stylus collected a *huge* amount of gunk --particularly from what was, at least chemically, a record cleaned with care, and according to AIVS instructions.

Second, after playing a couple of songs, we stopped, cleaned the stylus again, and played once more. The sound was drastically improved. Anyone have experience similar to this?

I'm a little skeptical about using an expensive TT, cartridge and stylus for auxiliary record cleaning.

Was it the 'gunk removal' that led to better sound with the second playback? Was the mold release compound coming off in globs with the needle carving its way down to the sound? Why was so much material caught on the stylus? And why didn't the RCM collect more of it?

Is the answer too obvious?

The VPI's vacuum motor is brand new. The table sounds like its bearings are arthritic when it rotates, but beside that, it turns with considerable torque.

Thanks in advance for any experience you might have about this.

At the moment I'm considering a Loricraft purchase. Anyone have a Lorcraft for sale?

Happy Thanksgiving,
128x128cdk84
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I think Syntax has described the issue and the solution quite nicely.
markd51
762 posts
 
I have no definitive answers because I have not used every cleaning machine on the planet.

But I'll offer my 2 cents.

I have yet to come across a record, either brand spankin new, bought new, but have been in my personal collection for up to near 37 years of age, or the used unknown past history thrift finds dating from whenever, that I have found to gunk up my Stylus with a cleaning process involving either a 3, or 4-step AIVS process, and my VPI 16.5 RCM.

Only one period in time have I ever experienced such considerable gunk build-up on a Stylus (Benz Glider), years ago, and it was prior to owning an RCM, and it was with Records that I had treated with LAST Record Preservative.

Most of it simpky whisked away with a Stylus Brush, but at the time, I usually followed with LAST Stylus Cleaner to be sure.

At the present, and with a ZYX Airy 3, I never seen accumilations of gunk using the cleaning processes, and 16.5 machine I mention above. Never. Stylus maintainence has never been easier for me. Just a simple dunk or two into Magic Eraser ensures my Stylus stays as clean as the day I bought the ZYX Cartridge.

Something sounds amiss, either poor fluid pickup, or some oddball records that have been sprayed with Silicone Spray Lubricant, or such, that is proving almost impossible to remove? Mark
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
againstWhile I am not nearly as obsessive about cleaning as some appear to be I have used [and been a dealer for] both VPI and Nitty Gritty for so long I have lost track. I have found them both to be effective in cleaning records and something that anyone with a sizable collection of LPs should have. I suppose some of the more expensive machines do an even better job but I have been satisfied with the ones I have had.
markd51
762 posts
 
From what you've written, the conclusions, and answers are these that I come to.

Since you state all other aspects of the cleaning processes, which are the exact same cleaners, and methods of application are the same, then the only variable is the fluid removal, meaning the RCM.

Yes, many state the Loricraft-Monks are superior machines, and perhaps they have a number of advantages versus any slotted wand type of fluid removal.

But I don't believe any properly working VPI RCM, or any other similar type of RCM that uses a similar design of fluid removal to be so substandard and flawed in their fluid removal efficiency to be causing what you're experiencing.

I suspect a flaw-fault with the vacuum operation of your machine. Perhaps the 16.5 upgrade kit may be of help? Still, I believe the Kit will still lack the baffled fluid recovery tank that modern VPI RCMs have.

Can you elaborate more about your machine's operation?
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Say what?I have VP17F works great a 16 is very very old DUDE.
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