2. analog
  3. 968822574

Record cleaner recs?

OK, so I've made the mistake of jumping back into vinyl. It only took me a week to stop being bothered by clicks and pops. I'm also finding more vinyl available than I ever thought I would. (in addition to the nearly 1000 stored in the closet) At this time I'm looking for a record cleaner. Since I only spent $500 on my TT I initially went cheap and got the Allsop Orbitrac. Not bad, but certainly not great. I understand Disc Doctor has manual cleaning system that is supposedly pretty good, but now I'm considering the Disc Doctor II that I saw on Audio Advisor. As I keep looking, the VPI 16.5 sounds intruiging. I'm not sure I can justify spending as much for a cleaner as I did for my turntable. I'd like to get some ideas as to what most people are using to clean their albums with. (at least those with more modest systems). Is there really that much of a difference in the vacuum models? Any input would be appreciated.
jt101
albertporter's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
albertporter
4,927 posts
 
Buy the VPI, and get Record Research or whatever other brand of record cleaner fluid is your favorite, and be prepared to be amazed. I often play a brand new LP, stop and wash it with my VPI (17F), and play again. You will have to experience this for yourself to believe how much improvement it brings.
rcprince
2,830 posts
 
I'm a big fan of the VPI 16.5, which I bought a number of years ago when I got back into vinyl. It works well, and I think it's worth the extra money over the less expensive cleaners. And Albert is right, prepare to be amazed.
truman
142 posts
 
Whoever told you about the Disk Doctor solution/felt pads cleaning system was "right on". Even my old albums sound like new! I know it sounds too good to be true, it's not even expensive. This is what they use in museums on old collections. Get rid of the pops, already. Then get a new stylus (shape) that rides on the sides of the grooves, not in the bottom of the groove.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Once you get any crap off with the above stuff, a cheap way to clean them before each play is the Discwasher D4 Cleaner and fluid.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I do not know if they still make it (think so) but there was/is a 3 step system made by a company named "Last". One bottle is a deep cleaning fluid, then a preservative fluid and then a regular daily cleaner. I use to have it and was very satisfied.
More to discover