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overwhelmed by record rituals

Hi all-

I'm new to vinyl and starting to build a collection. Because I am just buying new audiophile quality vinyl (so far) it never occurred to me I should be washing the vinyl before I play it. So far my process has been to use a bit of Last stylus cleaner on the stylus (maybe after every 3 or 4 plays) and to use an Audioquest brush on the record before dropping the needle. I am starting to get some pops and clicks, though, so wondering if I should be doing more. I read through record rituals and I am a bit overwhelmed and looking for a simple process. My first question is if I should invest in a record cleaning machine before I invest in more vinyl? Is VPI a decent (modestly priced) one? Second, this article in Stereophile on Last record preservation made me wonder if I should be doing that?
http://www.stereophile.com/content/last-record-preservation-treatment
So I guess that would mean my process might be VPI (or other record cleaner) for a new record (and periodically, I'm assuming, after that) followed by a one time treatment with Last record preservative. Using the carbon Audioquest brush and Last stylus cleaner as I have been all along?

Any guidance?

Thanks!

mc
mcanaday

Showing 2 responses by griffithds

griffithds
852 posts
 
Mcanaday,

Those ticks and pops are specks of dirt/dust that are in the air and landing on your record. Having a clean tip is good for the cartridge and also the record but it will do nothing for those ticks and pops. Buy yourself an ANTI-STATIC CARBON FIBRE RECORD BRUSH and use it before every play. I've seen good ones on Ebay for less than $15. If you are committed to stay with vynal, then by all means, get a record cleaning machine. They all clean the same. You will pay for add features. I have the VPI 16.5. I would consider it the best investment I have ever made related to vynal. Not the fact that it is a VPI but the fact that it is a Record Cleaning Machine. The more you pay for a machine, the easier the cleaning of the record becomes. But paying more will not, I repeat, not get your records cleaner.
If you do buy a machine, get back to us. Many of us have home made concoctions to use as cleaning fluids. No need to buy those expensive products provided by various manufacturers to clean those precious garage finds!
Regards,
griffithds
852 posts
 
Mcanday,

Yes, you are close. You could eliminate #3 by using a anti static carbon brush. (grin)
Also I am not so inclined to apply anything that is going to 'stick' to the record. Like that LAST preservative you mention. Some swear by it. I have over 4,000 records. Some bought back when I was in high school. That would be over 40 years ago! All cleaned by my one and only VPI 16.5. No need to clean for each play if you use the anti static carbon fiber brush. None of my records have been coated with any preservative. 99.99% of them are tick and pop free!
Regards,
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