2. analog
  3. 1435446743

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 1 response by tubehead21

tubehead21
23 posts
 
I'd also suggest that you're using the stylus cleaner too frequently. If dust accumulates on the tip, just use a little dry brush to get it off.

If you over clean your stylus with fluid, in time, the fluid will travel up the cantilever and start to eat away at the suspension of your cartridge and then you'll need a new one.

I made the same mistake a few years back.

I clean my stylus with fluid maybe once or twice a month and only after I'm done listening for the night.

A used VPI 16.5 would be a great investment. I use the "One Step Forumla No. 6" cleaning fluid with mine and have very good results. My favorite fluid to date and I've tried three or four.

If you get an anti-stat gun, two or three pulls and releases of the trigger at various points over the record surface will suffice. I wouldn't point it at the cartridge.
More to discover