Sonofjim analyzed the situation well. The machines you mentioned all use the same basic technology, a vacuum wand straddling the record surface, covered with "felt" to prevent scratching. This limits performance compared to the differently designed Loricraft, Keith Monks and Odyssey. A 6" vacuum slot is too large to allow really high air velocities and the felts are constantly being contaminated, requiring multiple wands and frequent felt changes (depending on how picky you are).
The string-based machines have neither of these limitations. Having used both a VPI 16.5 and my Loricraft PRC-3, I can tell you the Loricraft is far quieter and it vacuums notably better. OTOH, it is a bit slower. For our particular needs, which demand ridiculously clean records, the PRC-3 is a no-contest winner. We'd never consider any wand style machine, the technology is inherently limited.
Whether such an upgrade is worth the extra cost and somewhat longer cleaning times is an individual choice. FWIW, the time spent cleaning isn't a total loss. The Loricraft is quiet enough so you can listen to music (not critically) while cleaning. No one ever did that while running a VPI.
The string-based machines have neither of these limitations. Having used both a VPI 16.5 and my Loricraft PRC-3, I can tell you the Loricraft is far quieter and it vacuums notably better. OTOH, it is a bit slower. For our particular needs, which demand ridiculously clean records, the PRC-3 is a no-contest winner. We'd never consider any wand style machine, the technology is inherently limited.
Whether such an upgrade is worth the extra cost and somewhat longer cleaning times is an individual choice. FWIW, the time spent cleaning isn't a total loss. The Loricraft is quiet enough so you can listen to music (not critically) while cleaning. No one ever did that while running a VPI.