Record cleaning machines

dlb2

dlb2

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I'm looking into getting a RCM and can't afford anything too expensive right now. I was interested in the "Spin Clean" but found info. on the "Record Doctor V" It seems to get good reviews and is the right price at about $200.00. This still seems like a lot of money for something to just clean vinyl, but I realize the importance of a clean record.

Here's a link:

Record Doctor - V - Record Cleaning Machine-Audio Advisor

Does anyone here have experience with the Record Doctor, or for that matter, anything else that retails for around the same price? Or should I just use wood glue like the videos I've found on You Tube!
 
NorthStar said:
Wood glue, like in those youtube videos? ...Nah, get yourself a good quality record cleaning machine Doug.

* Lol, I've seen those youtube "glue" videos to remove all the "fudge" from your albums. :D
Click to expand...

I was just making a funny, Bob. :snicker:
 
Just so you know, the one you are looking at is great, works great and accomplishes what you are seeking...the only drawback is you have to turn the record by hand BUT it still does what you want, namely, VACUUM the gunk out...

Now if Jeff can get you a VPI close to that price, it might be worth the investment in the long run...but I understand that could be a stretch...That's why I built my own but that is not for the fain of heart...LOL

EDIT: OOPS ..forgot one other advantage of the VPI...You use the VPI wand ON top so cleaning is ON the same side as the vacuum (less mess). On that $200 model, you clean the album but then have to turn it upside down to vacuum...not the ideal thing..Thats why I built mine based on a VPI setup. But ya know, we have to go where our BUDGET takes us...

VPI Machine

$(KGrHqUOKo4FFyCCYvgFBRj9ziQn+!~~60_12.JPG


Mine

560177_469574706391330_419624715_n.jpg
 
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First off bythebay that is an awesome machine you got there!
Excellent job.

Just get a spin clean I use the mk2 and it does the job. After running it through the brushes you do most of the cleaning on a towel with the rags they give you . It's cheap and it works. Maybe not as good as a machine but a fraction of the price . All my records are very clean for $79. Good luck
 
Good point Petro ..I had the spin clean first..It works great ...I do like the vacuum style better (does a better job and why I built it) but the Spin Clean DOES work and a heck of a lot better than washing in the sink...LOL
 
Yes I previously owned the 16.5. Was a great machine and ill probably own one again eventually. That would be about the most i spend on a rcm.
I like that the spin clean does both sides at once and I can clean records while I listen to music.
I would probably use it sometimes even when I get the vpi.
 
Thanks guys. Since I'm buying a full vinyl rig my budget is limited right now. I'm sure that down the road I could upgrade to something like the VPI. Unless Jeff makes me an offer I can't refuse...
godfather-smiley-emoticon.gif
 
+1 on the spin clean, big improvement on my DIY method which took a lot longer, and I got mine for $35 on Audiogon! Can't beat that... I can see where a vacuum would be useful, but there are just too many things vying for that budget at the moment.
 
:D. Great smiley!!

Good thread. Interested in what you ultimately choose, Doug. Keep us posted please!:peace:
 
dlb2 said:
...
Or should I just use wood glue like the videos I've found on You Tube!
Click to expand...

NorthStar said:
Wood glue, like in those youtube videos? ...Nah, get yourself a good quality record cleaning machine Doug.

* Lol, I've seen those youtube "glue" videos to remove all the "fudge" from your albums. :D
Click to expand...

dlb2 said:
I was just making a funny, Bob. :snicker:
Click to expand...

You know what, just for a sec here I thought you were serious. ;)
 
The Spin Clean will get you about 80% there. I have owned one for over two years and cleaned hundreds of albums with it and still do with albums from GW,SA and thrift stores, but I now also own a VPI. Even after I clean with the Spin Clean I use the VPI for a final two step clean and rinse with vacuum. You can accomplish pretty much the same thing by buying the Spin Clean and using a donor thrift store direct drive TT and a small shop vac with a modified crevice tool and distilled water to wet and vac after you use the Spin Clean.
 
NorthStar said:
Michael Fremer, what is he using? ...If there is a guy here who should know, it is Mikey!

P.S. I'll invite him over. ...From Analog Planet, or from that other audio forum of the Internet.
Click to expand...

Fremer uses the AudioDesk LP Cleaner. Jeff sells them. I have one, and its phenomenal. Just stupidly expensive (but worth every penny if you get heavy into vinyl IMO).
 
Mike said:
Fremer uses the AudioDesk LP Cleaner. Jeff sells them. I have one, and its phenomenal. Just stupidly expensive (but worth every penny if you get heavy into vinyl IMO).
Click to expand...

- Audio Desk System Vinyl Cleaner = $3,895 (US) MSRP.
...That's right, Mikey reviewed it (June 2012 - Vol.35 No.6 - Stereophile),
and then he bought the review sample. ...That review is easily available online; just google it. :)

- Also, Mikey really like the Nitty Gritty 2.5FI-XP LP cleaning machine ($1,025 MSRP).

- And the VPI HW-17 record-cleaning machine ($1,300 MSRP).

- Finally, the VPI HW-16.5 record-cleaning machine ($600 MSRP).

_________________

- Audio Advisor Record Doctor III ($299 MSRP). ...Manufactured by Nitty Gritty.

- Spin Clean Record Washing System ($79.95 MSRP).
 
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If DIY is an option then it's not very expensive to build one. I used a spare shop vac and ice cream maker I had on hand. Even without them it could be done for under $250. The most expensive part of mine was the VPI tube assembly which was about $80 iirc. My goal was to use stuff on hand as much as possible, make it self-contained and as quiet as possible.

https://picasaweb.google.com/teamo65/RCM?authuser=0&feat=directlink
 
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