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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 1 response by r_f_sayles

r_f_sayles's avatar
r_f_sayles
872 posts
 
Congrat's Cmo on a wise purchase. I think Albert made a key point that needs reinforcing. To have a quiet background and support the long life of a record, not to mention stylus, we all need to have a somewhat fastidious routine of cleaning and a vacuum machine plays a big part. When a record comes into my house (new or used) it gets put next to my VPI record cleaner and doesn’t get played until it has been thoroughly inspected and cleaned by me at least once. A good halogen light helps for seeing everything on the vinyl. This discipline keeps grim from being initially driven deep into the record grooves or even welded (if you will) to the groove by stylus heat and pressure, never to come out. I now have very few new noisy records and actually found a stone molded into one of my new records from Germany recently. That stone, if went unchecked would have torn the cantilever right out of my new Linn Akiva moving coil. Needless to say, I could have missed it with just a quick wipe and play! And if it’s any consolation, I too could not afford to replace my record collection. Cheers!
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