LP care


I've made the commitment to get back into vinyl, purchasing a VPI Classic 'table with Lyra Delos cartridge. routed through an ARC PH-5 to Ayre amplification and on to Vandy 5A's. Recognizing the importance of a quality RCM, I also bought a VPI 16.5, so all the basic elements for vinyl enjoyment are there. (Approximately one week until everything arrives and can be set up!)

With all that lengthy background, my question is: what are the most effective record cleaning fluids. I have to admit that I am getting high-centered over the range of choices: regular cleaning fluid, "deep" cleaning fluid, enzymatic cleaner, rinses, etc. etc. etc.

This is especially topical for me, as 80+% of the albums I will be playing have been in storage (and not always perfectly clean storage at that) for 2-3 decades. Plus other music I want to acquire is probably only going to be available used, so good cleaning is important for that, too.

Second question: I assume that once one has cleaned a record with a vacuum RCM, that it remains relatively clean and doesn't need RCM treatment for every listening; instead, it simply needs to be wiped with a brush to remove dust and static before playing (assuming nothing odd happens). True?

Sorry for the long question, but figure the more detail I give, the more useful input I'll get. I'm hoping to tap the expertise of those on this forum -- and please feel free to simply point me to existing material, either in the form of previous threads here or other on-line resources.

Thanks to all, and happy listening!
dawgfish

Showing 1 response by podeschi

Another vote for L'Art du Son. I use it for regular cleaning (used LPs that are in decent shape) and also have the VPI 16.5. I use Mobile Fidelity Deep Clean for new records followed by L'Art du Son. Local high end shop taught me this -- for new records there is still enzymes from pressing on new vinyl that needs to come off.

I don't use a rinse, just those two cleaning agents. I have a can of compressed air and a dedicated cleaning brush nearby to get surface particles off. For the VPI I have a dedicated arm and cleaning pad for new, and for used. I make sure to replace inner sleeves with Nitty Gritty ones so albums don't go back in old sleeves and pick up the dirt/stuff that collected in sleeve.