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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
narrod
1,064 posts
 
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
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,152 posts
 
Wendell,

No, I haven't tried the power cord, but the Tice Clock made it spin backwards. :-)
sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
Grimace,

Mine has been worry-free for many years. Coupled with Walker Quartet, I am very happy with performance and relative value. If ever needed, VPI support is friendly & expert, although not always easiest to reach(Tues-Thurs only).

Wendell, my teleportation tweak allows me to clean LPs located in other time zones. Cheers,
Spencer
markd51
741 posts
 
I've owned a new 16.5 for about 16-17 months now.

The build quality of the machine is professionally executed, in, and out, totally first rate. Nothing I've found was haphazardly put together, to give any dislike to. All internal wiring is neat, bundled, properly executed, the assembly of the MFD Laminated Case is done precisely, is extremely neat, no sloppy assembly at all in that regard.

Fancy woods-materials, or better quality materials for Wand Tower Assembly, which is Delrin, the use of something other than MDF Platter, and some more costly components would add to cost, but essentially do nothing to improve the cleaning efficiency of the prouct.

As I once believe Harry said himself a long time ago, his priorities, were to make a good machine, that the masses could afford, and I believe he has accomplished that goal. Mark
stiltskin
499 posts
 
Grimace,
If you have never owned a record cleaning machine, once you get one, you will wonder why you didn't buy one sooner.

I have owned three models of RCMs over 25 year period, however I wish I kept my highly reliable and efficient though "noisy" VPI16.5.

A VPI17F replaced it a few years ago, this was prior to discovering how effective Walkers Prelude and Step 4 are.
I would of kept the 16.5, it IS a real work horse.

To answer your questions, yes you manually apply the cleaner fluids with the 16.5 while the platter spins at about 15 rpm.
Apply brushes and vacuum off.

Yes these are simple functions however they are HIGHLY effective on vintage and new Lps.

The vacuumed off fluids are drained away through a hose out the bottom into what ever you have on hand, jar , bucket, coffee tin ect.

The 16.5 is built to a price point, it will not take ruff handling, it simply is not built with that in mind, why should it be.

I think most of the problems you read from other users are related to careless use and handling,however there could easily be the odd lemon that left the factory.

In any case I highly recommend the VPI 16.5.
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