Opinions please

You don't mention the Nitty Gritty machine, so I thought I'd make a few comments on it after using a 2.5fi for more than 12 years.

* The vacuum is LOUD. I use earplugs or my Etymotics when I'm running the vacuum.

* I'm using the two RRL fluids, so I don't use fluid injection. Who knows what gunk builds up in the tank, anyway. And mine leaks.

* Got a very off-center record? Forgedaboutit.

* You will need to replace the felt lips and the rubber capstan now and then, but it's pretty easy.

Aside from the leaking tank, the vacuum and motor on mine are still working fine after more than about 12 years.

Looking at the prices now, I'm not sure the Nitty Gritty is still competitive. But I don't have any experience with the VPI machines to compare it to.

VPI 16.5 owner for 6 years...not one problem...retail is 499, but they sell a "package" for a few dollars more thats a great value..inner sleeves, cleaning fluids... i also use record research labs products...other nice feature is the ability to adapt to clean 45s...im not sure if other brands offer this...as for static, i use the zerostat milty gun...it works...for example if i dry brush a record while its is on top of a plastic inner sleeve, then pick up the record, it usually sticks like glue to the sleeve from static. with the Gun, a few squeezes of the trigger and the record comes away freely from the sleeve.

If you do not have a big collections (100 or so records), you can use the manual procedure.

But If you have a bigger collection than that, you only need the VPI 16.5 its very sufficient and an excellnt RCM.
Now If you want you can put in more money but every RCM will do the same work but for more money.

Now I woud suggest that you invest a spare brush and vaccum tube for the VPI and use the Disc Doctor silution and follow their procedure. I have over 5000 records, LP's and 78's. I have used multiple RCM's from different brands but have found that the 16.5 does the same thing as the rest but for less money.

I hope this will be helpful

Had a Keith Monks RCM which I sold for a friend here on Agon and it was fantastic. It was also expensive as hell. I own a VPI 16.5 which does a fine job with almost zero effort on my part and it cost me around $300, also here on Agon. It's loud, but since I don't actually live in a library, it is of no concern at all. Hard to beat it for the price. Hand is great, RCM is easier.

I think, there is probably a misunderstanding: The Problem is NOT how to clean them (manual with a brush or with a motor), or how long you want to leave the cleaning fluid on the surface, the REAL Difference is the way to remove the fluid. Here are big differences and I think, that's the reason why there are so many opinions. And real clever solutions (Best is K. Monks, Loricraft copied it) have their price.
Good Luck.