I went away from a VPI 16.5 as I had reliability problems with the latest version.(the older models are far more reliable and better built).
I now use a Nessie, which is not only fairly quiet, but also does a fantastic job.
Unfortunately, Nessie are not that easy to source in the US anymore, but they are built to last and far superior quality to the latest VPI.
Durable record vacuum cleaner recommendation?
I am looking for a durable record vacuum machine. Any recommendations?
Ideally will also do 10" and 7", and be on the quieter side. Should be able to handle some volume without breaking.
Background: my Project VC-S is busted; vacuum motor got noisy to 95dB at 1 m, a bit much, IMHO. ~$250 motor part with no returns and no guaranteed compatibility is a non-starter. This is already a replacement unit for one with bad gears for the platter. So Pro-ject is out of the running.
In the last couple of months, I used the unit quite a bit (around 1K records vacuumed) as I got an ultrasonic and go through my entire collection.
Thanks for any leads and recommendations, particularly if you have run a few thousand records through your unit with no issues.