Yet another VPI 16.5 thread


I am considering buying an RCM and am looking at the VPI 16.5. I was looking at some of the threads about it here on A-Gon and I still had some questions.

As best I can tell this thing works by mannually applying the cleaner and the all the machine really does is vacuum it off? Is this correct or is there some other function to the machine? Does it have a resevoir for the used fluid that can them be emptied?

The one thing that concerns me is build quality. There are a lot of people who seem to have them long-term without trouble, but there also seem to be some folks who get them to find wires detached and other QC issues. Does reliability seem to be an ongoing issue with these things?

Finaly, would there be an advantage to spending a little more on somthing like the Sota machine which is a two-arm automatic application setup? The main disadvantage that I can see with automatic application is that it only pumps one kind of fluid, where with a manual machine you can easily use a multi-step process like the Walker system.

Thanks!
grimace
Hi, I've had mine for 7-8 years. Yes all it does is spin the record (one direction) and suck the fluid off into a tank. (empty it via a tube out of the back)

I have never had one single issue regarding quality. For the money, it's built very well.

If you are only going to use one type of fluid or you think push button makes that easier for you, then go for it. Other than getting a Loricraft or Monks, I think the 16.5 is just fine for me...

My cleaning regime: 1st Microcare Premeir, brush in using Last brush...2nd Record Research Deep cleaner brush in with a separate last brush-vac 2 rev's, 3rd Record Research wash, brush in with a 3rd last brush, vac with a separate wand 2 rev's. Zap record with a zerostat. Insert into new sleeve.
I've had mine since 1980! Best investment I've ever made and the only piece of gear I still haven't upgrade, (several hundred times)...
To Mofimadness,

What? You haven't put a $1000 power cord on your 16.5? You have no idea how clean your records can be!

Wendell
Wendell,

No, I haven't tried the power cord, but the Tice Clock made it spin backwards. :-)