Loricraft Record Cleaning

I appreciate the info, especially on the Clearaudio. It also looks like a very good machine.

For those who are using it... is there any problem transferring crud from one record to another. It would seem like they have some type of "lips" that must touch the surface of the record and as a result, must touch the dirty solution that's on the record surface. Is it a constant cleaning chore? How well does all this work on the lower end "Smart Matrix"?

It would seem that the thread keeps the loricraft head out of the dirty solution... or is there a cleaning issue as well.

Crem1: Thanks for your input on Steam Cleaning. It may be a good "In addition" to a RCM. The problem for me is that I'm an engineer, and run a production company. All day long, everything is a process. When I finally get home, and on the weekends, I'm not looking for another (process) job. I want to relax and listen to some good music. Cleaning the record is necessary, and I don't want to make it an activity unto itself, or a search for the "Holy Grail". I want to do the best I can with the least mess, fuss and noise.

Rfogel8: My condolences on the forced-air furnace issue. I live in Florida on the ocean... no furnace issues and with our humidity, no blue-arc's coming off my fingers as I grab a doorknob.

Cytocycle: I'll also take a look at the Hannl RCM.

Thanks to all!
Paul

Paul , I well appreciate your feelings on not wanting another process job. But what I believe you shall find is that RCM's are also a process ; sometimes more complicated than needed , time comsuming and the results don't always justify the effort. I have auditioned most RCMs or have been exposed to those my friends own save the matrix models. Too my ears the results are just about equal, regardless if one spends $ to $$$$$ . I suspect the reason is simple, all these cleaning machines are limited in suction power and ALL leave a "sonic fingerprint" that can not be fully appreciated until one has listened to a cleaned recording free of that artifact.

Frankly, for a "wipe and play" I recommend scientific static-free brushes that retail for about $30 US. Nothing can be easier for weekend plays. The brushes are far superior to any audio product but they have limitations. Steam Cleaning is generally a "once will do you" for the life of the LP, unless of course your living conditions are filled with dust and other airborne grime .

Don't get me wrong I feel that RCMs have a place ; I own a VPI 16 that works splendly to its limits. I combo the VPI and steam cleaning for remarkable results.

Thank you for your kind words. I wish you all the best, Charlie

I have been investigating a step up from my 16.5

What I have found is that for multi-step cleaning fluids, the VPI or Loricraft/Monks seem to be the only machines that fit the bill.

For my VPI I have a second tube holder and tube that slides in and out
for Audio Intelligent steps 1 and 2. The Clearaudio seems like a great machine, but there is no way to change cleaning tubes, which seems to be needed to avoid cross contamination with the enzyme cleaner and the next steps. 2 steps already seems like a lot of effort, so I pass on the last pure water step.

So for that reason I am thinking about going with a VPI Typhoon. The added suction I believe gets the fluid off in 1 pass, so it should be on less time than my 16.5 which needs 2-3 rotations to dry.

I use earmuff type ear protection when I hit the Vacuum button.

Just FYI I just received the brand new Audio Intelligent brushes. They seem to work really well at spreading the fluid and lightly scrubbing the LP.

I tend to pre clean very dirty records with a Carbon brush prior to putting on the VPI, so nothing really dirty goes on the cork platter.

Also I clean the VPI tube felt area after each use with a small brush. My tubes tend to last many years this way, and of course won't scratch an LP with embeded dirt.

Anyone gone from a 16.5 to a typhoon?

Emailists, thanks for the report on the AI brushes. I'll have to give them a try.

Thanks to everyone for the good dialog on record cleaning machines. I went through the info carefully and checked all the machines again. Cytocycle offered a tidbit on the Hannyl RCM, a machine that I hadn't heard of before. Their machines look very good.

They clean much like a VPI, but have a much quieter vacuum motor. They also have grounded the pickup arm to help eliminate static. They are also very nice looking machines and fall into a reasonable price range (Hannyl Micro is under $1400.).

One of their dealers is The Cable Company and they seem like a good group to work with. I'll order one tomorrow and should have it in a about two weeks. I still have to pick out a good cleaning solution, brushes and of course some new clean sleeves. I can't wait to give my old Sheffields a cleaning.

Paul