Do I need a machine to clean ?

You CAN, and I have, cleaned with out a vacuum machine. I've come to the conclusion, though, that they are essential for doing the BEST job. My investment in a VPI 16.5 is probably the best money I've ever spent in audio.

You are right on target with Record Research fluids. They ARE the best, IMHO. And, a little #9 for the stylus is a good idea, too.

To answer your question, the Record Doctor unit is just fine and, as these things go, a real bargain. Go for it!

I think that making your own record cleaning machine is one of the most cost effective DIY tweaks you can do if you're a vinyl lover. A basic record cleaning machine is just a vacume. Application and spreading of fluid can be done just as effectively by hand. I was amazed at how effective my home-made record vac is for cleaning. Search the archives for "record cleaning" on this site and also audio asylum and the internet and you will find several descriptions of DIY record vacs that will cost next to nothing and clean with the best of the commercial models

Here is a DIY record cleaning machine...

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I tried lots of methods for cleaning LPs before I bought a SOTA LPC. The other methods worked okay, but the LPC is much better and easier to use.

The only other thing a true audiophile could want is a racoon!