2. analog
  3. 140398-40

Is it true records are sealed to look better....

...and need a thorough proper cleaning even when new to sound best?

A vendor of ultrasonic record cleaning machines asserted this to me recently.  He also described a 45 minute process using an ultrasonic record cleaner to address it. Yikes! I clean my records manually now in just a few minutes and sounds clean when done. I thought an automatic record cleaner would save time and make things easier but not according to this particular expert.

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Showing 2 responses by folkfreak

folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
Yes, new LPs do need cleaning. This helps remove any residual mold release agent, any bits of paper or card present if they were sleeved in paper (as many still unfortunately are) and overall give you a nice clean disc to start with -- of course they should then go in brand new inner sleeves as well.

I'm not convinced you need a 45min regimen however, but everyone has their own recipe!
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
So I just opened a brand new Yarlung LP - - volume 2 of the Yuko Mabuchi - an audiophile pressing in a lovely non static inner liner. 

The disc was covered in a fine patina of card or paper scraps, probably from the jacket or something -- so whether or not mold release agent exists or not the assumption that new records are in any way clean is patently false.

On other threads there are postings of the far from asceptic interiors of pressing plants. Why wouldn't you clean a disc before playing? 
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