What a thread, lol. i have been really learning a ton on this subject. I have spoken to a few audiophiles I trust. It's well known and has been for a long time that cleaning a new LP is needed. My old dealer used to let me bring in my LP's along with distilled water and let me clean for days. Even the engineers of a couple of TT companies he sold would tell you that you should clean a new LP and then brush them until they needed cleaning again. I didn't realize that this was even up for debate anymore, but I guess it is.
I'm in CT as many here seem to be also. Very cool. I have decided to just get a VPI 16.5 new since a used one may not be in great shape as many part can age poorly over time. In the end, it's not that much to spend as it's just as important as a top phono pre or cables. It directly affects the sound as a dirty record will ruin your records and playback equipment as has been stated. I wish I could afford an ultrasonic cleaner as it seems like most of the vacuum types are similar in what they do. You seem to pay for how automated you want. I have a few hundred records, so to me it makes sense to just get a machine and get them all clean and then be able to clean at will. It's cheaper than the 1-2 dollars most want per record. JMHO.
I'm in CT as many here seem to be also. Very cool. I have decided to just get a VPI 16.5 new since a used one may not be in great shape as many part can age poorly over time. In the end, it's not that much to spend as it's just as important as a top phono pre or cables. It directly affects the sound as a dirty record will ruin your records and playback equipment as has been stated. I wish I could afford an ultrasonic cleaner as it seems like most of the vacuum types are similar in what they do. You seem to pay for how automated you want. I have a few hundred records, so to me it makes sense to just get a machine and get them all clean and then be able to clean at will. It's cheaper than the 1-2 dollars most want per record. JMHO.