Cleaning the equipment


Due to a preamp problem (separate thread) I had to take two large boxes out of my wall-shelf stereo system today. I placed them on our dinner table and took off their covers for the first time in four years. What did I see? An amazing collection of dust. Even more so, in a magnifying glass. Including some insects.

My system stands in a living room peopled by real people and a hairy cat and has a carpet. Smoking has been observed although not usual. We live in a city with pollution. Your record may be better than mine. But if you have components standing for many years, you should check for dust.

I used - carefully - a vacuum cleaner combined with a brush to clean up the worst. I found that the use of strong light and a magnifying glass was essential. I was careful not to bend or touch the components. Some can be charged for quite some time even after taking out the power cord. Vital components can be cleaned extra by using a spray-box with air, although I did not do it this time.

Perhaps others have relevant experience to share, including cleaning advice. My current preamp problem may have no relation whatsoever to this dust build-up. I have not idea about the electric capacity of dust threads - perhaps someone can fill me in. My audiophile sense tells me to get rid of it.
o_holter

Showing 2 responses by o_holter

Personally I might vouch for a parrot or two - but thank you! The towels idea is good. Purifiers may help also. I think the problem is common for us all.
Sorry for not keeping this worthy thread awake - busy with other things.

Yes cat hairs are a nuisance - really no good for pickups riding low in the track, like my Lyra titan i, according to the debate about how some reviewers had it far too straight and all that.

On the other hand, our cat Sasha is a very musical cat. There is no mistake, whenever I feel the music is good, the chance rises that Sasha comes along, walks a bit here and there, and even rolls on the floor, enjoying himself.

When the sunlight is almost horizontal, like it is in greater periods here up north (Oslo, Norway) you can really see how dust flows in the air and accumulates around the stereo. I have a big silk carpet since it improves my sound, but I'm worse off in my battle against dust. Perhaps an air conditioner is the way to go.