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Record is noisier after cleaning:

Hello, I have recently got back into Vinyl and am enjoying it so far except for one frustrating thing at the moment.
I have fielded this question on another forum as well (just so you know), but I thought it couldn't hurt to get some thoughts here as well.

I have the Pro-Ject Xpression III I bought about 12 days ago.
I listened to a new LP of Dave Brubeck's Time Out without cleaning it. It sounded wonderful, very quite, just a couple of pops on side 1.

Then a few days later I got the VPI 16.5. Yesterday I cleaned the very same record using the VPI RCF and brush that came with the machine. I followed the VPI instructions only. I played the record right away after the cleaning and surprisingly it was noisier then before the cleaning. There were many more pops and clicks. The surface noise during the quieter tracks was much higher.

I've been using a carbcn fibre brush before every play and also one of those dry stylus brushes as well.

Afterwards I tried some other ideas. I cleaned the record again but this time after the vacuuming I let it air dry for an hour. It seemed to be quieter then before but still not near the noise free it was before.

I played it again this morning to get a reference and then cleaned it a third time but this time I also rinsed it with distilled water twice and vacuumed it one rotation each time for the rinse. I played it and again it is noisy.

I don't see any obvious dirt or lint on the stylus. Anyway, I played a used clean copy of Oscar Peterson's we get request without cleaning it on my VPI and it sounded very nice. Very little surface noise and I don't think I heard any pops and clicks if I remember correctly. So I don't think my stylus is really badly dirty or anything.

So I am not sure what is happening, why the Time Out LP has become noisier after the cleaning. I am afraid of cleaning my other new records right away until I know what I am doing wrong.

Also, it appears the VPI RCF and brush isn't very popular. Is that correct? Should I get another RCF and brush?

Thanks,

-- Sanjay
schugh
eldarado
381 posts
 
Not to hyjack the thread but, Freon (R-12) has been banned from being produced in USA for well over a decade. R-134a, the propellant called out on the spec sheet, was around before 1995. Both used in refrigeration and as a propellant in spray cans. R-134a is toxic and if too much is inhaled will do damage to your lungs. Probably won't be too much of an issue cleaning records but, I wouldn't use it.

Just my .02.

I am curious what the actual cleaning solvent is as the R-134a (the propellant of the solvent) will disolve within seconds of leaving the can.
grimsbylad
34 posts
 
Disc Doctor
lesvan's avatar
lesvan
39 posts
 
Get a static gun, the Milty Zerostat works for me.... it gets rid of almost all pops when I use it........ I thought all the pops were from dirt or dust, now I know static makes a big ugly sound.
jallen
502 posts
 
If it is still making noise, use a strong record cleaner from Last, Nitty Gritty etc. to lift off the mold release. Then use Last Preservative. Clean again and stop the 16.5 after 1-2 revolutions or dry suction will create static problems. Get the gun as suggested, and don't use the brushes, they have dirt on them. Dirt on the record plus heat means you melt the dirt into the wall of the record....tick...tick..tick. Vinyl quality is an issue too. I have records I have used "Last" on, cleaner and preservative and used the 16.5 and they are still quiet after 50 plus plays. If your tracking force is too high, you are digging a hole into your record also. Most cartridges track about 1.5-2 grams. Also, too light will also damage your records....bouncing around.
episteme
55 posts
 
Try vacuuming for more than one rotation after applying the fluid. You may be leaving behind some of the fluid that you have applied to the record surface. Let it go for three or four revolutions and see if this helps.

This will likely introduce more static onto the LP; so use a carbon fiber brush afterwards and before playing. Zerostat would be ideal.

In short, I would experiment with different methods of cleaning, but as the responses above suggest, there could be any number of explanations.
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