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Record Cleaning Machine RCM

My present vinyl collection consists of about 100 LPs. On average, I purchase about 3-5 new LPs per year when the annual HI-FI Show comes to town. I've always purchased new with the odd purchase coming from friends for mint condition used LPs. My analog set-up is a VPI Scoutmaster.

I've read some very positive comments concerning the benefits of using a RCM and I'm serioulsy considering purchasing one.

For the money, I'm looking at the VPI HW-16.5 but I've read posts where people are complaining about how hot the unit gets due to the lack of a cooling fan while others have complainted about the noise. Should I be concerned?

My next choice up would be the VPI HW-17 but this unit costs about 2.5x more.

Suggestions / comments?
agiaccio
tubetan
24 posts
 
VPI 16.5 = manual cleaning
VPI 17 = automatic cleaning
Both remove fluids via a vacuum wand.
handwashing = disappointment

Before we resort to snark and sarcasm, we should all be on the same page with terminology.

Eric
headsnappin's avatar
headsnappin
295 posts
 
I think Bill calls "manual" as an rcm that one must rotate the record yourself, versus "automatic" which the rcm rotates and vacuums. Correct me if I'm wrong.
thuchan
955 posts
 
Did you consider the new machine from Gläss Audiodesk - the Vinyl Cleaner. It works perfectly with a very good cleaning result. And it is for lazy boys...
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Thanks Headsnappin and Narrod for the clarification of a manual operation.

Doug, with a few more albums and/or years of vinyl experience under your belt, you'll understand.

Thanks.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Just re-read Bill's post and realize I misinterpreted his use of the word "manual". I thought he was towel drying or something. One of my many youthful mistakes!

While I appreciate motored rotation of the LP it's certainly not necessary, especially for a low volume user. I totally agree that manual application of fluids is acceptable, arguably better even. I certainly wouldn't pay extra for a machine to operate a squeeze bottle for me.

Sorry for the confusion, but keep the snark coming!
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