Anyone else ever experiment with wet playback?

Wet playback was commonly done in the early days of LPs, and I sometimes did it. The method was originated by radio stations. It probably worked better when cartridges tracked at 5 grams.

Current vinyl "experts" think it's a lousy idea.

what are the advantages vs disadvantages. I would think that liquid in the grooves would be similar to dampening? i have played records that i did not get dry(i used to spray a wash before cleaning with my discwasher brush. I now spray my brush lightly vs spraying my records.

Great way to ruin a cartridge.

Adavantages are vastly reduced friction (ever seen how cooling fluid is used during metal machining?). Also the noise floor is extremely low, as particulate matter becomes suspended and not part of the record's surface. Disadvantages are potential cartridge damage as previously mentioned, and the general hassle of it all. The sound quality during the wet-play event is worth it however.

agree with gaslover.... you cannot go back.

Anyone else ever experiment with wet playback?

I tried, but my wife wouldn't let me...

Wet playback does appear to smooth out the sonics . Unfortunately, the pull on the stylas may cause the cartridge's front-end to be altered. The alternative is to properly clean the Lp , reduce friction on the stylas thereby extracting the most information possible during playback. Steam Cleaning perferred.

My sympathies, Jkalman (I am happily divorced). It's OK though... she is a casino General Manager and I get half her $$$$. What pull Crem1? There is undoubtedly LESS friction with liquid immersion. Am I missing something? FYI I was the Quality Mgr. at RTI many moons ago. I would not expose a modulated vinyl groove to steam twice (they are steam heated during compression molding in the first place).

What do you use to wet the LP? Is it water or some other fluid. Please describe the process. Do you vacuum it dry after palyback? Many thanks.

Bob

I have had good results w/de-ionized water. Bear in mind the LP has a natural "trough" - the recessed playing area originally designed to prevent scratching from stacking LPs on a changer. This holds the liquid nicely. You may experience a bit of trouble at 45rpm, however, from centrifugal force. I simply drag a clean hand towel across the surface as the turntable runs for clean-up. Let air dry do the rest. Bobburda, please bear in mind this will change your life one way or the other. Wet play is like an addiction. It is guarranteed you will hear a vast improvement. Remember also that you are using water in close proximity to electricity and act accordindly!!

Only for 78rpm records and with a few drops of Sunlight liquid dishwashing soap added.

coneflap.

A better wetting agent is Photoflo; it is non-detergent. As used in photographic developing. Talk about cetrifugal force... 78rpm????

Imagine the micro world of cartridges. The V grove is filled with liquid , the debris accmulated from manufacture to the home enviroment deposits in the V grove. Liquids give the appearence of "less friction" but the soup you create is filled with all sorts of micro stuff that impose limitations on the stylas. Just because we can not "see" the restrictions doesn't mean that a they don't exist, thats what microscopes chart-out.

Of course , all depends on the cartridge stylas size, and lots of of issues that can put you sleep. Depending on the cartridge the drag will be higher or lower but all have an effect on playability. Again, if you talking 78's and 6-12+gr. arms whats the difference- you need all the help you can get just to play the side. In todays world, carts are made to play @ 1-2 grms. You want to play wet go ahead, twenty-thirty years ago I did the same, but I have a feeling you could change your feelings when the Lps groves begin to fill with even more gunk as the years roll on. Cheers, Charlie

And alas, that gunk accumulation is the reason you cannot play a previously wet-played LP dry again. Back in the days when I could take home as many Sheffield Direct Discs, MFSL's, Wilson Audio LP's etc. as I pleased hot off the press, I would earmark one of each for wet play. I realize most people involved in this hobby never had that luxury! Indeed I do count my blessings.... Cheers and Happy New Year to you