Ejlif-
Your question is a good one. With used vinyl records..it is often not easy and sometimes there is no way of telling without playing them , as to the condition and wheather there will be ticks and pops along the way.
If it looks scratched and dirty..it will most likely play that way. But Looking at a record that seems pristine can be deceiving as there may be groove wall damage from repeated plays..especially if the records were never cleaned properly.
I have had records that didn't look great, actually play quiet after a good cleaning...and conversley, had relatively new records play with some ticks and pops that looked pristine.
The point is that you definately need a cleaning machine of some sort that has a vacuum fluid lift. Just dry brushing will not get into the groove to remove the dirt, and it may even make things worse, by pushing the dirt deeper into the groove walls.
A good RCM like your 16.5 is a must, and even with that and a good fluid/brush system..may take repeated cleanings to get some records quiet. Some records however, may never be able to get completely quiet due to permanent damage of the groove no matter how well cleaned. Those you will have to either live with...or not play if they are too annoying.
When I buy used records, I make a point to look before I purchase to at least see its outward condition, and try not to spend too much. Buying new, is much safer and more satisfying, but I also clean those before play so as to remove any mold compounds that may actually be detrimental if not removed before playing.
I like the VPI 16.5 also. Use a good quality fluid and brush system, like Disc Doctor brushes and RRL fluids to name some. I have found these to work great.
BTW..congratulations on your recent TT set up. You have a nice system to start off with! I recently had a friend over to set up his Nottingham Space Deck/Ace arm and Whest Phono..it all sounded excellent with his ZYX Airy3 cart. Best of luck with all your analog! -Ken
Your question is a good one. With used vinyl records..it is often not easy and sometimes there is no way of telling without playing them , as to the condition and wheather there will be ticks and pops along the way.
If it looks scratched and dirty..it will most likely play that way. But Looking at a record that seems pristine can be deceiving as there may be groove wall damage from repeated plays..especially if the records were never cleaned properly.
I have had records that didn't look great, actually play quiet after a good cleaning...and conversley, had relatively new records play with some ticks and pops that looked pristine.
The point is that you definately need a cleaning machine of some sort that has a vacuum fluid lift. Just dry brushing will not get into the groove to remove the dirt, and it may even make things worse, by pushing the dirt deeper into the groove walls.
A good RCM like your 16.5 is a must, and even with that and a good fluid/brush system..may take repeated cleanings to get some records quiet. Some records however, may never be able to get completely quiet due to permanent damage of the groove no matter how well cleaned. Those you will have to either live with...or not play if they are too annoying.
When I buy used records, I make a point to look before I purchase to at least see its outward condition, and try not to spend too much. Buying new, is much safer and more satisfying, but I also clean those before play so as to remove any mold compounds that may actually be detrimental if not removed before playing.
I like the VPI 16.5 also. Use a good quality fluid and brush system, like Disc Doctor brushes and RRL fluids to name some. I have found these to work great.
BTW..congratulations on your recent TT set up. You have a nice system to start off with! I recently had a friend over to set up his Nottingham Space Deck/Ace arm and Whest Phono..it all sounded excellent with his ZYX Airy3 cart. Best of luck with all your analog! -Ken