2. analog
  3. 169297-138624

Returning to Vinyl

Now planning a return to vinyl listening after a nearly 40-year hiatus and need some basic help. Although I do still own a functional mid-fi system (Goldring GR1.2 TT with preinstalled arm, Goldring Elektra MM cart, Cambridge Duo phono pre), long gone are the battery-powered vibrating stylus cleaning brush, the Nitty Gritty record cleaning machine, the LAST LP treatment solution with the big wide application brush, and even the MHS archive-quality replacement sleeves. I know there are several cleaning machines on the market and am willing to spend something reasonable (<$1k), but beyond that I'm clueless.
Q1. How necessary is a cleaning machine for an occasional (say, 3x/mo.) vinyl listener with irreplaceable LPs?
Q2. If needed, which product delivers most bang for the buck? 
Q3. Same questions re stylus cleaning devices.
Q4. Same questions re record preservation treatments.
Q5. Tracking/alignment/pressure have not been checked or adjusted since acquisition despite two moves. Are there still shops performing these services? 

Advance thanks for all useful advice.
hickamore

Showing 2 responses by wyoboy

wyoboy
238 posts
 
As some have said, not essential-just convenient; however, you don't need a machine if you follow this advice on record cleaning:
Neil Antin's paper is thorough and evaluates all types of machines--but his process does not involve anything but easily obtainable cleaner and regular household items--the process is covered in Chapter V if that's all you want to read:  https://thevinylpress.com/app/uploads/2021/03/PAC-Vinyl-Records_2021-03-01_pdf.pdf                                                             (Note:  the "Vinylstack" label protector is no longer available as they've gone out of business but you can improvise
wyoboy
238 posts
 
@hickamore:   Vinylengine is another good website with a database on TT's, tonearms and cartridges & specs
More to discover