lp grunge

have you tried washing it off? If you don't have a record wash machine (eg VPI 16.5) there are manual methods.

In any event, this sounds like a good reason to toss the AQ mat and get another type - like the Funk Achromat which does not leave any residue, and works wonderfully (I have no financial interest in Funk - just like the mats).

I've read about this, on AudioCircle if I remember correctly. Check out the search engine there for possible cleaning tips.

steam is the way to clean them.

Rgc, you are certainly NOT left w/ useless LP's, good heavens! I am curious as to the nature/content of the 'grunge' you speak of. Can I assume your mat and records start off clean? If so, then by 'grunge' you must mean some kind of (sticky?) coating that appears on the side of the record that was in contact with the mat, yes?

Some critical thinking is in order ;--) Whatever it is, had to come from the mat or from the record itself. I'm inclined to think that the silicone surface of the mat is somehow 'drawing out' some of the excess mold release agent as it migrates to the surface of the records. Mold release agent is a stearate compound which is mixed with the vinyl before pressing. It flows at a lower temperature than the vinyl, so as the vinyl cools and sets up, the release agent is still in a semi-liquid state, which allows the record to easily separate from the stamper. But then, it too hardens.

It's important (silicone mat or not) to get as much of that agent off the record as possible -- to prevent build-up on your stylus and to prevent dirt/dust from getting imbedded into it over time. I was told all this during a recent conversation with one of the techs at Quality Pressings, a new high tech stamping facility which Chad Kassem recently built.

Removing the mold release agent takes either solvents (like Premier, or Last super record cleaner) to dissolve the release agent enough to then remove it with regular cleaning fluids. If you read this cleaning tutorial from Loricraft http://www.smartdevicesinc.com/Cleaning-tutorial.html they make it quite clear that record cleaning solutions alone will not work to remove mold release. Steam (heat) is the other option which like Buconero117 is my preference. And you can read why on this thread http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1316435825&openmine&zzNsgarch&4&5#Nsgarch
Unfortunately the thread got hijacked by the "cleaning fluid du jour" crowd ;--) So boring!

Anyway, my guess is that if you get rid of the release agent, you will eliminate the problem. It's certainly worth a try; otherwise, I suggest you call AudioQuest and demand your money back!
.

all LPs are useless as sources of hi-fi. Go cd and the 'problem' is solved. of course CDs take all the fun away. All the tinkering and fussing about.

Somebody else in here noted the AQ mat being sticky and weird...not that that's a BAD thing...I bought one of those carbon felt anti-static mats and it works great although you do need to do try not to get dandruff on it when leaning over to que something. My useless LPs...all that fun tinkering resulting only in happiness inducing sound...also, I play iTunes lossless and hi-res files on a virtual mat where I have to imagine the tinkering part, which, if you think about it, is a lot of extra work.

>>10-11-11: Rok2id
all LPs are useless as sources of hi-fi. Go cd and the 'problem' is solved<<

Every thread needs an idiot for comic relief.

Good job.

Agree with Audiofeil.

Please don't feed the trolls.

'hi-'fi' is a short way of writing High Fidelity. High Fidelity means 'a high degree of faithfulness or accuracy to the original. The original for our purposes is the source, i.e. the cd or lp. I am just pointing out the obvious, that a stereo system reproduces the information on a cd at a much higher 'fi' than a turntable and tonearm does with a lp. the lp: noise, gouges, clicks and pops, limited freq response etc... with the cd. Flat 20-20, lots of dynamic range and no distorion or noise, that any human can hear. Wanna try the same argument with tube amps?
There are three main root causes for name calling 1. you have exhausted your vocabulary 2. a lack of upbringing 3. you have lost the debate. come on now, fess up, which applies to you guys.

btw: fidelity has nothing to do with personal preferences.

I find that the best cleaning method is steaming. It gets off everything including peanut butter and jelly.

To be clear...nobody who has been "brought up" has a "lack up upbringing", or they simply wouldn't be up. Specificity counts in reparte'. I think Rok2id makes some valid points, and all of us who enjoy the sweet sound of analog and marvel at the fact that it works at all (really...dragging a little needle through a plastic groove? insane..) should realize the folly of our ways. In fact...I volunteer to accept all of those crappy (but in good condition) LPs and will dispose of them for you. Hey...I'm a giver...

I was speaking in a Southern context as to the 'upbringing'. Down here, either you had a proper upbringing or you didn't have one. My bad.

I do have 700 lps, most played just once, taped the first time. On thorens and sme and blackwidow and shure. In excellent condition. name a price. classical and jazz.

I was raised in Honolulu...isn't that pretty far south? We learned to tolerate elitist gasbags who reveal their insecurities with snarky claims of superiority. I think it's kinda cute.

please say that 'elitist gasbags' quip was not meant for me hahahhahahahah I like that, i'll remember to use it.

10-12-11: Rok2id
"There are three main root causes for name calling 1. you have exhausted your vocabulary 2. a lack of upbringing 3. you have lost the debate. come on now, fess up, which applies to you guys."

You forgot #4: Frustration because a guy asks how to clean a record and someone jumps in and says how much better CDs are. Pointless, not helpful, picking a fight.

10-12-11: Sebrof
You forgot #4: Frustration because a guy asks how to clean a record and someone jumps in and says how much better CDs are. Pointless, not helpful, picking a fight.

Guilty as accused. However, I reserve the right to ignore the 'code of conduct' of this forum, lest we all die of boredom.

I'll let it slide this time, can't speak for the other guys ;)