Yet another VPI 16.5 thread

I have had mine for about 20 years, no problems with it. Occasionally if you do a lot of records the fluid tank will fill and the unit will shut down until it all evaporates, but that's clearly noted in the manual and is normal. I like the fact that I can scrub a record as much as it needs it on this machine; in that regard I like it better than the fully automatic machines. Highly recommended.

Yo Grimace,

Back in August, I sold a Series 3 Sota Star Sapphire turntable with vacuum and Electronic Flywheel to a friend who wanted to add vinyl playback to his system. He had the turntable a few weeks and then invited me over for a listen. In the meantime he had upgraded the tonearm, the tonearm cable, the cartridge, bought a VPI HW-16.5, and a Perfection steamer.

My JAW DROPPED at how good his system sounded; his system killed mine (Sota Series 5 Nova, SME V, Koetsu RSP, Pass Labs Aleph Ono) and he had only been into vinyl for a few weeks or a month at most.

The first VPI HW-16.5 I owned was an older version and another friend borrowed it to clean some of his record-convention aquistions and never gave it back. He said let me write you a check for the record cleaner and I said "fine". That was a couple of years ago. Also, at the time I owned the first one, I was not aware of how steam cleaning your records can improve the removal of the mold-release agent used on records.

So, I am now the proud owner my second HW-16.5. I bought it new from a dealer who advertised it on Audiogon.

Watch the videos on YouTube by searching on the phrase "steam clean your records"... and then rush out and buy a Perfection Steamer (you might still be able to find one at Walgreens... they are about $30).

I also own the entire assortment of Osage record cleaning solutions that I bought from Jim Pendleton at RMAF last year. (BTW Jim's stuff is great and I am not affiliated with Osage in any way, just a satisfied customer.) His products plus steam cleaning improves the sound quality dramatically on new (unscratched) records. It takes an average sounding record with the occasional clicks and pops and reduces the surface noise to near CD quality.

The last thing that you will need is a package of Last Microfiber applicators (pun intended) from lastfactory dot com (also about $30).

The combination of the VPI HW-16.5, Perfection Steamer, Osage Solutions, and Last brushes will dramatically improve the sound quality of your records by allowing you to effectively clean the dried-on mold release off of your vinyl.

I recommend VPIs 16.5 highly. I am using mine with a hand held steamer and have been using 16.5 this way for quite a while. No ill effects from the spray are evident. 16.5 is loud but so are most every vacuum ive used. Save the money needed to acquire a more expensive unit and buy more vinyl.

The only extras for my 16.5 are another tower and tube for the last rinse. Another platter cover for the first side cleaned to be removed when cleaning the second side. I use these to reduce contamination spread. Also i use three VPI 17f brushes with my steam cleaning method. One for wash/steam one for 1st rinse and the last for final rinse.

I have cleaned lps in many different ways but for my ears steaming along with lab grade water for rinse included with your vinyl cleaning method produces the best sounding and quietest lps yet IMO.

Like most RCM users once you get one you will wonder why it took so long to make the move. If you are a lp buyer and get a fair amount of lps or have a large collection that needs cleaning this is when you know you made the right decision on a RCM purchase.

OK. Couple other questions. It seems that a cork mat would not be the ideal material for the mat because dirt, etc. could get into it and contaminate the newly cleaned side-one as you do side-two. I see the cork can be replaced. Does anyone use a different type of mat that is easier to keep clean? Something rubber perhaps that can be washed?

Also: Can you clean the vacuum brush and/or how often do you have to replace it?

Thanks for everyone's responses. It does seem to be overwhelmingly possitive.

Grimace, I've gone through about 360 LPs so far in my collection, trying to "thin the herd" so to speak, with AIVS Cleaners, and I am still using the original Wand for the AIVS Cleaners, with original Velvet Strips, and they look no worse for wear than when they were brand spanking new. Replacement Strips can be gotten from the Disc Doctor at a reasonable cost, that are a simple peel, and stick for the Vacuum Wand.

I pre-clean any "deadbeat" LPs gotten used from the thrifts, with an AQ Carbon Fiber Brush, and Canned Air.

I, like you, was concerned about a Cork Mat, that would only become dirtier over time, and I set out to do something about it. I believe your ideas hold promise, that a Rubber Mat can be easier to clean whenever one feels the need.

I purchased 1/16" self adhesive backed Neoprene Sheeting from Mcmaster-Carr, and also had a machinist friend fabricate a bramd new Acrylic Platter, cloning the MDF VPI 16.5 Platter. His work of course is impeccable, but the Rubber Sheeting I bought could have been better quality. Evidently, there's different grades, and I must've "cheaped out" only spending about $9 per 12"x12" sheet. I currently got my eye on some better grade Neoprene, that will cost me nothing, but will mean adhering the Mat with a Spray contact cement Adhesive to the new Acrylic Platter.

Thinking about it some, I think I'm over-obsessed about the worry of ever changing such a good mat in the future, and trying to get it off the Platter if I ever needed to.

The good quality Neoprene Mat should last quite a number of years without a worry to be had. A simple wipe with a lint free cloth, and you should be good to go.

As I close, and in restrosepct, there was probably no advantage that I went to a Acrylic Platter versus the MDF, other than a material that has been lathe turned and will never warp with submersion with fluids . The machine won't clean any better, and the MDF Platter shouldn't go bad, unless you take the 16.5 for a swim in the pool.

I'll try soon, to have Jim Pendelton of Osage-AIVS post some pics of the Platter, and Neoprene Mat on his website, complimenting the Fan Mod Article he kindly placed there for me. Mark