Based on my research, from reading tons of opinions here and on Audio Asylum (and I suggest you research it yourself and come to your own conclusions!), but the differences, in my mind, are:
The NG and the VPI basically use the same technology, (i.e. a wet-vac with a slot to suck the fluid through), with the VPI being slightly better built, and having a nice built-in place to scrub the records on. (The NG is cheaper, but will get the job done nonetheless.)
Both of these machines are LOUD! So much so, that some poeple use earplugs when using them.
The Keith Monks and the Loricraft use a different technology, (it uses a smaller vacuum tube with a string), which is supposedly not only better, but much quieter as well. (I have not actually seen either of these in person, but I confidence in the opinions of people who have purchased them that they are better and quieter.)
I currently use a NG 1.0, with RRL fluid, and I have no complaints. It works well for what I use it for, which is to vacuum the excess fluid off when I am done cleaning the record. (And it was really cheap, especially used!)
At some point, I would love to buy either a Keith Monks or a Loricraft, but they are both too expensive for me to purchase at the moment.
My two cents worth anyway.
The NG and the VPI basically use the same technology, (i.e. a wet-vac with a slot to suck the fluid through), with the VPI being slightly better built, and having a nice built-in place to scrub the records on. (The NG is cheaper, but will get the job done nonetheless.)
Both of these machines are LOUD! So much so, that some poeple use earplugs when using them.
The Keith Monks and the Loricraft use a different technology, (it uses a smaller vacuum tube with a string), which is supposedly not only better, but much quieter as well. (I have not actually seen either of these in person, but I confidence in the opinions of people who have purchased them that they are better and quieter.)
I currently use a NG 1.0, with RRL fluid, and I have no complaints. It works well for what I use it for, which is to vacuum the excess fluid off when I am done cleaning the record. (And it was really cheap, especially used!)
At some point, I would love to buy either a Keith Monks or a Loricraft, but they are both too expensive for me to purchase at the moment.
My two cents worth anyway.