Record cleaning and realistic expectations
I recently purchased some Audio Intelligence solution #15 enzymatic pre clean to use on my VPI 16.5 prior to my usual cleaning with Disc Doctor cleaning solution followed by 3 distilled water rinses. I picked a record that came from a collection in a particularly moldy house.The record had faint white splotchy marks all over that I assumed were mold. Pretreated with AI #15 for 5 min per AI’s instructions. After cleaning and drying, the record was cleaner, but the splotches remained. Did I do something wrong? Could the splotches be something else?
A second record had inner runout marks I assumed were from the old plastic inner sleeve, but going thru the same process these as well did not clean up as well...Hmmm?
Would an US RCM like a Degritter do a better job?
Thanks for any assistance on this.
I used a VPI 16.5 for years. Now I use a lab grade Elmasonic US machine at 80 KHz. The difference? About as much as upgrading a major component. IMO. YMMV. But it's not magic. Some records need a lot more attention, some never come around. I use a lab detergent, never considered any audiophile products. |
@lewm When I lived in LA I used tap water on about a dozen records, and they remained unplayable until I cleaned them with a US machine. Now they are pristine. |
