...having said this, and based upon your comment "you've explained your strange behauviour" had an effect on me.
I'll no longer try to be a member that attempts to have a real conversation on music. In fact, I'll most likely go dark.
Happy listening.
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harold-not-the-barrel,
There has been an intrusion on my posts.
On another topic that I had started, I made clear yesterday of this fact.
Right now, all I can do is apologize for things (out of my control).
I shut my computer down yesterday and ran all of my Norton system controls in order to do what I could on my end.
I don't know what else I can do on my end.
FWIW: Looking at our conversations now, I see the (extra, overlay (content) that I advised the Audiogon people two weeks ago. There has been some kind of intrusion regarding my posts here.
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harold-not-the-barrel,
Your post was misplaced! Should go to another thread?
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Maybe what I've failed in getting across is, with steaming, in good lighting...the water/light allows you to actually see anything left on the lp.
I've cleaned lps through my AD/16,5 time and again, still, there are just some times where steaming is THE only way to get an lp clean.
Ex: I was just listening to my Outlaws lps, I pulled the "Live" record out. I had marked previously.."re-steam?". Mind you, this was way before I had my 16.5/AD cleaners.
I was re-steaming under my under-cabinet led light and can see the little "flakes" on the lp that are stubborn, but will come off when you apply first, common sense, then a more aggressive application. These are the types of things that will not come off just through any automated process.
This is why I believe that being able to actually see what's going on while cleaning is essential ti The Best process.
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bdp24,
Good luck. Let us know how everything works out!
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a friend of mine bought a HAAN after watching me using my Mapleshade years ago. I went to his house one day just to test it out. I was disappointed in that unit. Much lower steam pressure, lesser steam pattern..
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...the dbtech has much better ergonomics (compared to my Mapleshade) which makes for better contol. It has a very good steam pattern as well. These two things make a difference!
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nkonor,
If you can find the dbtech with the larger tank, go for it. That one is a no-brainer.
Are you familiar with the Gem Dandy cleaning system? I've often thought about making my own (simple pvc stand w/ basic tools) but taller to set in my sink. After spreading the fluid on a lp, attach it to this and voila'! I will do it at some point.
ebm,
Yes, I've even used mine to clean out the mold that accumulates inside of an in-door ice maker. Lots of uses.
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nkonor,
I've found that all of the hype over protecting the label is just that, hype. Early on in my record cleaning education, before the 16.5 and the AD and the steamer, I use to actually dip my lps into a sink full of distilled water to rinse. I never had one issue with the labels. (Of coarse you don't let them soak.) On older lps where the labels have aged, if they get wet, just blot them off, don't rub. Having said this, if I see my cleaning fluid seep onto a label, I'll blot it off.
While I'm steaming, during the time when the steamer is recharging, I'll blot off the label when necessary. As I mentioned earlier, I hold a record over a sink against my torso while steaming. This allows everything to drain off as much as possible.
Have fun!
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I purchased mine through Galen Carol Audio.
The main point is/should be, (The VPI (manual).).... to my knowledge (as usual), did not have any information on any of these situations. (When did you find out that VPI specifies the slot should point in any direction?) When I bought mine, the (manual ?) did not have any of this. This goes to my main point... If this was true during the time frame I was (drooling) about a 16.5, and the reviewers NEVER wrote about this, I can only assume, that the VPI (manual) never included such.? (Also, I asked questions to my dealer at that time. The response was, as I remember, "It's not a intricate/specialized device..(paraphrasing)
BTW, I get complete drying in 2 revolutions as well. This happened only after I figured everything out for myself.
Please, someone, post one link showing (any) issues I've posted from any reviewer in as long as the 16.5 has been in production
Happy listening.
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FWIW: When I was finally able to buy my VPI 16.5 years ago, after reading about it, after dreaming about it, I was so disappointed to learn that it did not work as I had read for years.
Upon first using mine, I found that the vacuum was so strong that the lp would adhere to the vacuum tube while the platter would continue to spin. I found out from my dealer that there was a screw that can be tightened once you poke through the cork platter mat and find the 3 screws that will allow you to remove the platter. Then you can barely access the allen screw (at an angle) that will allow you to tighten the assembly. If this wasn't enough..read on...
I then found out that the pick-up tube would not release as I've read for years, automatically. This, I later found out, on my own, is a very delicate melding of several factors.
(1) The position of the pick-up tube in relationship to the lp, in terms of how much it should be twisted, left or right of center.
(2) How much actual fluid one applies.
(3) How flat a particular lp is
None of the reviews I had ever read prior to this purchase ever talked about this. This purchase, became my first in a long line of events to come, that reminded me of how little one can rely upon the reviewers of products.
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Don't know what velvet strips the Okii uses, I've found the Disc Doctor strips to be the best I've used.
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jjss49,
You should consider shelling out $30.00 for the steam cleaner I mentioned if only to clean your cleaning tools/velvet lips. Small initial investment, for a large ultimate payoff in terms of replacement velvet strips and ability to clean off any contaminants between cleaning and rinsing cycles.
Happy listening.
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Regarding the method I mentioned earlier along with my complete regimen,
cleaning just one lp at a time does take a while. If you start cleaning another lp while your 1st one is in the US cleaner, this reduces time considerably, more of an assembly line approach.
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The original Mapleshade I own. The newer Mapleshade, by Pierre's own admission is not quite as good. The Walgreens that use to be recommended is no longer available last time I checked. I bought a db tech steamer off of Amazon years ago that worked 95% of the original Mapleshade. I recently bought a new db tech with a smaller water tank. I was disappointed in this one. I plan on searching for a larger tank version soon.
With my Mapleshade and my 1st db tech, I made the cardinal sin of refilling the tank before it was cooled enough. Do not do that!
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nkonor,
That AFI Flat sounds (fantastic) from what I've read. There is a thread here on it that I assume could point you in the right direction. If you obtain one, I'd love to hear your impressions. Good luck!
Could you explain exactly what you're looking for regarding "point me in the right direction for equipment and sources to obtain?"
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The other major benefit I failed to mention above is the ability to clean your lp cleaning tools and velvet lips on your stationary vacuum cleaning machines. I could argue that over time, this benefit alone would pay for the steamer in the absence of having to buy new velvet pads/ tools over time. |
nkonor,
We've visited on the Rushton thread. I believe we have mostly the same equipment and processes except for, (in my experience) one factor...I do the steam clean as my initial step.
I've cleaned many records with out the steam/DWDC, and put them through my 16.5, then the Audio Desk. Then later added my steam regimen, and the results were positive. I posted on Rushton's thread not too long ago about my experience with the Neil Young lp. The result in my system was noticeable. The result in KC's system was like a component/cable/cartridge upgrade, IMO. He had his $10K statement phono stage playing. So, the more resolution of one's system, the more of an impact that a great cleaning method can offer.
Steamings' benefits: ( I hold the lp over a sink while I steam so the lp is washed off)
(1) You can spread any fluid you choose onto a record.
(2) The addition of heat that other inexpensive options, and most others' don't allow for, along with a great cleaning fluid, removes a very high percentage of contaminants.
(3) It has a built in rinse factor.
(4) You're not using old dirty water to clean any other lps.
(5) Inexpensive.
Steamings' negatives:
(1) Labor intensive.
The method Rushton uses with his filter is very well thought out and solves one of the main problems with US cleaning, the re-use of contaminated water.
Happy listening
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jayh,
Check out Rushton's thread.
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You're correct that "full treatment" does make a big difference.
Regarding the OP's point as to the best value... I may have misinterpreted that as to include (lowest cost = greatest impact) as part of that "best value term".
Regarding a Spin-Clean. Based on what I've read and seen in print, I'd go with the Gem Dandy over it, mainly because in the (initial cleaning), the dirt/crud that comes off of the record won't go into a bath that the next lp will see.
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nkoner,
I'd love to a customer/'s like you who appreciate properly cleaned vinyl.
If I thought there was a good enough market, I'd offer my services.
Cheers!
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You need to ask yourself this question... How important is my vinyl record collection to my overall enjoyment in life? Then one more if the answer is very important...How much time am I willing to put into the caring for such a valuable addition to my life?
If the answer is I'm willing to put in a decent amount of effort into such an important aspect of my life...here is my response..
Get a good steamer and some Down With Dirty Concentrate/Aquafina water and a couple of cleaning tools. Overall investment is around $200.00. Labor not included.
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