I used Paul's samples to clean about ten older records from the 1950's through the 1970's. These were records that looked to be in good condition without much visible surface scratches, but were afflictd with a constant low level of surface noise, along with occasional more dramatic ticks and pops. These are fine records which were purchased used over many years, and obviously have been played when not specially cleaned before.
I removed some dust with Audioquest carbon fiber brush, so there would not be physical particles to get stuck on the plush of the VPI 16.5 cleaning wand.
I used step one, and step two cleaners, each for about two to three minutes before the VPI vacuum up step, and I used different applicator brushes to spread the two different solutions over the record surface.
Results: reliable 80% reduction in the continuous background surface noise, and more clarity, detail, and texture to voices, and instruments. Much more enjoyable listening. Easy to hear this wonderful improvement.
Most of the louder, occasional, ticks and pops, some of which were seen to correspond to visible scratches, were not changed, as these were actual vinyl damage. Some were reduced in amplitude, presumably where the cleaning solutions modified the most severe imbedded debris, while leaving behind the physical groove damage which cannot be magically erased.
Conclusion: Very worthwhile improvement for those of us with older records that have passed through other hands on the way to our own collection. I do not have time to wash records with more than one company's products, so this is not a comparison, but rather a confirmation of excellent results.
Listening to the same records both before and after cleaning is sometimes startling, when the stylus tracking seems to bring out more of what the microphones captured in the way of detail, and even soundstaging.
A thank you to Paul Frumkin for providing free product for beta testing. I am relieved that the results are positive, as it is more fun to be able to give justified praise, without having to express any disappointment when a thoughtful fellow Audiogon member does his best.
