Vinyl Accessories - Skip It or Buy It!

Thank you @millercarbon. That Walker Audio Cleaning Kit is pretty hard core, I will try it out at some point. 

@tablejockey,

I have to ask, what is a US machine? Is it Ultra Sonic? 

@slaw,

What is the purpose of a record mat? 

@rsf507,

Thanks for sharing. KM Prodigy process is very similar to Pro-Ject VC-S2 for less money. Nevertheless it’s a very cool looking machine and very compact.

https://youtu.be/kNn-SD1F3jU

@tablejockey,

There is nothing wrong with being picky :-) 

With the resurgence of Vinyl playback, we can certainly hope for a machine like AD at $1K price point. 

Thanks @mijostyn for your recommendation, it’s certainly worth a try. 

^^^^Yup, got one of those. 

@elliottbnewcombjr,

Thank you so much for some wonderful ideas! Now why didn’t I think about air vent filtration :-)

I have a air vent right above my turntable so I am going to try this air filter. Let’s see how effectively they work out in my room.

https://www.amazon.com/Ventilaider-Complete-Electrostatic-Installation-Registers/dp/B07FYGC658/ref=s...

I did explore the spin-clean kit but after watching the video, I wasn’t too thrilled to see all the work involved. So I need make a choice, either I save money and do all the work with spin-clean or buy one those ultra automated cleaning machines.

Since i own SME Model 15, I am limited on what I can mount on my TT plinth. So gadgets like Audio Technica lifter and Integrity Tru-Sweep Anti-Static Dust Cleaner poses some installation challenges.

^^^Well, it’s not inexpensive at $3K. 

@slaw,

Thank you for the clarification. I guess SME got me covered, here is the description from their website, the Model 15 platter is

“Machined from aluminium alloy and weighs over 4.6 kg (10 lbs). It is extensionally damped, the top surface being diamond-turned with a fine scroll. This method of finishing contacts a myriad of tiny fibres with the underside of the record, firmly coupling it to the platter”.

And they suggest to avoid anything that might scratch the turntable platter. The material is as delicate as a record itself and very easily damaged.

@tablejockey,

I hear you on four figure cleaning machines and they make sense as a long term investment. My collection of vinyl is all new records and very manageable at this point. I don’t plan on buying every album that gets released on Vinyl (probably buy those that sucks on streaming ...lol) I’ve noticed even new vinyl benefits from proper cleaning, less pops n clicks and surface noise.

I will bring in both spin-clean and Pro-Ject machine. Their video on YouTube suggests a relatively easy process to clean the vinyl :-)
https://youtu.be/G6mFWdny_Pw

Then there is Kirmuss Audio US record machine for $1K. I have seen their demo at RMAF last year, pretty impressive.

https://kirmussaudio.com/ka-rc-1-ultrasonic-record-restoration-system/

More toys for grown men :-)

Update: Pro-Ject - VC-S2 cleaning machine is here and after cleaning 15 records, I am giving this machine a very enthusiastic thumbs up. The supplied ‘Wash It’ concentrated fluid leaves no residue and quick to dry. In less than 90 seconds you have a clean record to play.

The cleaning process is not as simple as dropping the record into the slot as some of the UC machines with 4 figures price tag but I found the process with VC-S2 pretty straightforward. It’s definitely a far cry from spin-clean record washer (also brought in for comparison).

To be completely honest, I kinda enjoyed the process with VC-S2. You start off by clamping the record between the two plates, start the motor running and pour a little bit of diluted cleaning fluid onto the grooves, spreading it evenly with supplied goat hair brush before turning the vacuum arm into place, switching on the vacuum suction to suck up the dirty cleaning fluid. The vacuum leaves the record completely dry, while the waterproof padding underneath the clamp ensures that the record label is protected throughout the process. The bottom clamp size is exactly the same size of the record label so you’re not transferring the dirt onto side A when you flip the record to clean side B.

It’s currently on sale for $649 and free shipping, in case anyone interested.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084KJQ6QT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

^^^^Just watch the video, thanks but no. This is no different than spin-clean which cost $79.99. This is a classic example of you get what you pay for :-) 

@sokogear,

I no longer have an issue with static. My new TT (SME Model 15A) platter has this very unique coating that prevents static buildup and firmly dampens the record to the platter. And, the TT also includes a very high quality record weight (clamp).

It’s really nice when manufacturer include certain ‘options’ that elevates your listening experience.

I have recently purchased couple of more accessories that are proving to be quite useful, thought I share with the community :-)

https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/3a845718-89e8-411d-a8e7-dc34a1492785/downloads/Document%20En.pdf?ve...

https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/3a845718-89e8-411d-a8e7-dc34a1492785/downloads/SP-7000-8000%20Speci...

https://herbiesaudiolab.com/collections/component-isolation/products/soft-fat-dot

If anyone is interested in a elegant record brush that is a far cry from cheap plastic ones sold everywhere, then ramar got a brush for you. I just took my delivery after waiting for two months (long wait caused by Covid-19).

The brush features six double rows of carbon fibres and two rows of goat hair assembled in a elaborate handwork. After dozen cleanups, the brush has excellent dust absorption and offers effective dissipation of electrostatic charge. There is more, you also get a stylus cleaning brush and special glove made of soft micropolyester and polyamide for cleaning the dirty record brush.

Each brush comes with a serial number registered to original owner. This allows lifetime support as well replacement / repair of fibers if needed.

https://ramar.berlin/en/

Agree with @lewm ...even the new LP’s have dust particles. Most of the LP’s are shipped in cheap paper sleeves. Remember, Vinyl manufacturing plants are nowhere near the standards of CDC Labs :-)

I have gotten into the ritual of cleaning new LP’s on my Pro-Ject - VC-S2 ALU RCM and then inserting them into MoFi static free sleeves.