I have had a PRC4 for a few years now but I buy almost exclusively 30 to 60 year old records so I don't know that my recommendations will be relevant to you unless you move in this direction.
I have achieved outstanding results, restoring many (but not all) VG or VG+ records to VG++ or NM- condition with the PRC but it takes some time and effort. Don't expect miracles of course with a damaged record but I have been impressed with what can be done in time with records that are in excellent condition but dirty.
I start with just a rise under the faucet using a Last brush. (No cardiac arrests here please, it's just to get the heavy dirt off without using up expensive record cleaning formulas and dirtying lots of brushes).
Then I suck off the excess with the PRC and use AI enzyme and/or just super cleaner depending on what I think it needs.
Then I play it to evaluate and look at the needle after. Usually more cleaning and playing results in more improvement until I am satisfied that just a quick clean with ultra pure water (which is my minimal cleaning before playing any record) is enough.
I have L'art du son as well which I mix with the enzymatic fluid for serious cleaning.
I have achieved outstanding results, restoring many (but not all) VG or VG+ records to VG++ or NM- condition with the PRC but it takes some time and effort. Don't expect miracles of course with a damaged record but I have been impressed with what can be done in time with records that are in excellent condition but dirty.
I start with just a rise under the faucet using a Last brush. (No cardiac arrests here please, it's just to get the heavy dirt off without using up expensive record cleaning formulas and dirtying lots of brushes).
Then I suck off the excess with the PRC and use AI enzyme and/or just super cleaner depending on what I think it needs.
Then I play it to evaluate and look at the needle after. Usually more cleaning and playing results in more improvement until I am satisfied that just a quick clean with ultra pure water (which is my minimal cleaning before playing any record) is enough.
I have L'art du son as well which I mix with the enzymatic fluid for serious cleaning.