New member w a Cleaning Question

You may also want to consider something like the Spin Clean. I've been using one for over a year, and while it may not provide a completely ideal cleaning method, it is much better than manual scrubbing alone and may be a good intermediate step for you before spending a lot of money on an RCM.

http://www.garage-a-records.com/spin.html

It's basically a tank that you fill with distilled water, and you add their "solution." This solution causes the dirt and grime to fall to the bottom of the tank so that the water above that cleans your records is clean. I use the Spin Clean as sort of a rinse after doing manual scrubbing and/or steaming. I would definitely recommend a Mobile Fidelity record brush for manual scrubbing, regardless of which cleansing method you choose (vacuum, spin clean, etc). I must say that using this combination, I've been able to achieve great results. Again, this is not the ideal solution because you must then either air dry your records or dry them manually with a towel (I always air dry, so as not to transfer dirt/dust from any other source). Of course when you air dry, you must wait a while for that to happen; this makes the RCM a quicker, more convenient method all around. I do plan on getting one myself some day; just how soon, I'm not sure.

I second the KAB EV-1. Been using it for over a year, and I think it represents an excellent cost/value ratio. I buy most of my vinyl used at shows and thrift shops, so cleaning is extremely important.

Also, do not underestimate the importance of the cartridge/stylus. I recently upgraded my Ortofon Super OM-10 to an OM-30. The improved stylus shape does a lot to minimize noise on records. I guess it just gets deeper into the grooves.

I use the AI products.
I had always been hand cleaning using Disc Dr brushes and micro-fiber towels with what I thought were V good results.
Recently, I purchased a VPI 16.5 here, and can hardly believe the difference. IME, vacuuming has made a significant improvement in the SQ of all my LP's, used, filthy dirty used and even new sealed.

Agree with virtually everything said as to the value of a RCM for sonics and vinyl longevity. If you own a large collection of LPs you'll eventually want some type of motorized machine to help reduce the drudgery, but until that time just cut a slot in your home vacuum's crevice tool and glue on the felt strips-or, there's all sorts of diy examples of RCMs all over the web. You don't need to spend much if you're determined and creative.

Agree with NRENTER that a shop vac and strip of velvet will work nicely. Not as convienient as the automatics, but it is very effective. The use of a steamer, good cleaning fluid (can be home made or purchased) and lots of good clean water for rinsing, and you will be surprised at how good a used 40 year old record will sound. My RCM cost me about 40 dollars and it works very well. If you already have a shop vac, then your pennies away from cleaning records. If you go to a thrift shop and pick up a broken old dd or belt table for about 10 dollars, you have a stable platform to mount your records and spin while you clean, steam or vac.