best fluid for vpi 16.5 cleaner non-vpi brand?

Agree with Stiltskin. Walker Audio Prelude is the best I've used. Highly recommended.
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Michael, people are reporting good results with both the Walker Audio Prelude and the Audio Intelligent fluids. I've heard of comparitive tests where the users prefered one and other comparative tests where those users preferred the other. I happen to prefer the Walker fluids and brushes, and I use the Walker Step 4 rinse on those "special" records to bring the sound quality up yet one further notch.

I use the Walker Audio Talisman with each LP, just part of my regimen, but don't think of it as a tick and pop reducer - that's not it's role. For ticks and pops, focus on cleaning with the your choice of effective cleaning fluids and using ultra pure water for a double rinse finish. Then, use the Talisman to achieve that next level of midrange resolution and clarity, and upper frequency purity of tonal reproduction. Consider the Talisman as a "clarifier" of resolution, timbre and soundstage. The same holds true for the Walker Audio Step 4 rinse fluid in my experience. All have a cumulative positive effect.

Enjoy your explorations!

Hi Doug, yes there is always more! Crazy isn't it? In that same vein, try some of the Walker Step 4 Final Rinse. It sure surprised me.
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Sonofjim, folks are getting good results with both Walker and AI. Doug likes AI, I like Walker, take your pick. My preference for the Walker is because it was better than the original AI formulation (before Osage bought it and improved it) and I've kept using it. And, I never have gotten comfortable with enzymes being sold premixed in solution -- I prefer Lloyd's approach of providing the enzymes in powder form and mixing with ultra pure water for just-in-time use. As always, ymmv...
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Sonofjim, your MoFi and Disc Doctor brushes will work fine. I've used them quite satisfactorily with Disc Doctor, AI and Prelude. I've come to prefer the shape and texture of the Walker brushes, which I know use, but any of these three brands will work fine.

As Stiltskin points out, Walker Audio offers a refund guaranty of purchase price if not satisfied and the unused portion is returned within 30 days. Hard to go wrong.
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Audiohifila, let us know how your cleaning ventures go with the VPI 16.5 and the new cleaning fluids! Congratulations on getting started!