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I finally bought a record cleaning machine $

I finally bought a RCM (VPI 16.5). While it most definitely makes for blacker backgrounds and removes a lot of the ticks and pops I seem to be picking up a lot of new noise that wasn't there before (a static sound). I am using Record Research Labs cleaner and (Deep cleaner on the really dirty stuff) followed by Last record preservative. I am trying not to run the vacum any more than I have to, as I read this can cause excessive static. My room is not overly dry or anything............... So what gives. Right now I am kinda bummed; I thought this was going to be the holy grail of those perfectly noise free records I have been dreaming about. Am I missing something? Do I have to spend more $$$ on one of those Zerostat guns?

Please help.

Chris

P.S. Sorry if this has already been discussed. I am lazy to search through the myriad of posts on RCM's right now.
cmo

Showing 2 responses by onhwy61

onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,328 posts
 
It's been my experience that the 16.5 is very critical about the angle of the pick up brush. It seems to leave a lot of gunk behind if not adjusted just so. The gunk ends up on the stylus which is definitely not good. I'd rather run the vacuum too long and then deal with the possibility of static rather than run the risk of having the record half-vacuumed.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,328 posts
 
The fact is, if you are a serious practicing audiophile with a reference level system, you have to have large amounts of disposable income. Additionally, if your software collection is commensurate with your equipment, then you have a small fortune invested vinyl, CDs, etc. There's no getting around it, it cost serious money to play this game at a high level. I truly hope that the people involved in this hobby can really afford some of the equipment that appears in many of the virtual systems listed. By that I mean, they are not stretching to afford a $30,000+ piece of equipment. People who buy new Rolls Royces write checks for the purchase amount. If you have to finance it, haggle over the price, shop dealers for the best deal, then maybe you really can't afford it. Now if you can't afford the best, there's no reason to criticize those who can. As long as someone got their money in a legal and ethical fashion, then more power to them.

Fortunately, for the other 99% of use, it doesn't take that much money to put together a good quality system. If you own a house, can take a family vacation, can lease a new car and aren't over extended on your credit cards, then you can afford a $3,000 to 7,500 system. For that kind of money plus some skill and diligence you should be able to assemble an excellent quality system. But suppose you can't even afford that? Well, my advice would be to get an iPod, a Bose Wave, a Cambridge combo player, a Denon or JVC mini system and spend whatever money you can on building up your music collection. One day you'll be able to afford better equipment, but the music is what's really important and that's why Albertporter takes such good care of his records. When you work hard for something it shouldn't be surprising that you appreciate it and care for it that much more.
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