Vinyl Accessories - Skip It or Buy It!

Tablejockey, I’m sure the Kirmuss does a fine job, but do you really give it high marks for”ease of use”? Just from watching the demonstration videos available on YouTube, it looks like an exercise in anal retentive behavior.

@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

@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.

@dodgealum ,

Sorry, the MyMat is a one time product I developed out of love for this (hobby) and don't intend to make a business out of it. I can send you some pictures if you'll send me your email by PM. 

BTW, I currently sell them through PMs.

There is a review in the works by a respected third party that I'll post a link to when it's finished. Thanks for your interest.

There's a new Keith Monks cleaner coming out might be worth checking out.
https://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Turntables/Keith-Monks/PRODIGY-Record-Cleaning-Machine/...

@lalitk ,

A record mat dampens (a mechanical bearing) vibrations, and platter resonance, allowing the cartridge to trace the record groove more accurately, equalling better sound.

laltik-

If you're only playing new LP's, then US may not be such a big deal, like it is to me for bin specials. The Kirmuss has been getting an overall thumbs up here and other forums for the price.

I want the Cadillac for Yugo pricing. Convenience of using it like a toaster-drop an LP in, it's cleaned/dried ready to play. That's reserved for the AudioDesk and a couple more. Even used, they just aren't at a price I'm willing  to open my wallet.

Eventually, someone will figure out how to piece one together similar to the AD,at a price for the "everyday guy". The machine isn't  high tech, and maybe even a little Rube Goldberg!

Good luck.

@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 :-)

@slaw,

What is the purpose of a record mat? 

@slaw can u post or pm a link to the my mat for us? 

A well thought out record mat.
I use two MyMats.

I'm the MyMat designer.

A hand held steamer. If for nothing else, to clean all of your record cleaning brushes/velvet pads. They will last much longer as well as stay clean whenever you're ready to use them.

@lalitk ,

If you’re willing to go with a Chinese US tank, a DIY cleaner will do better than the Pro-Ject for under $500.00. You’ll need a spinner and you could add a filtering system, all within your budget.

US = ultrasonic 

@tablejockey,

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

"I did explore the spin-clean kit but after watching the video, I wasn’t too thrilled to see all the work involved."

If you're playing used LP's, US is the way to go. New album, a Spin Clean could work for just a little refresh. I use one, going on 10 years. I don't buy new LP's, and just am picky about what I get from the bins. The Spin Clean does fine for what it is. I've taken Spin Cleaned LP's to shows and demo room uber systems, and they sound fine. It's not a big deal regarding the process. I don't use fancy distilled water or expensive "special" LP cleaning solutions.

I just haven't found a US machine at a price I want to pay-yet. I want one that's turnkey, like the AudioDesk. Just not for $3-4K

Based on your setup in your profile, I wouldn't bother with anything BUT a US machine.

Consider a used VPI or that Project unit if you're not ready to take the plunge for a US machine. 

Starting off with good LP's and being mindful handling them, obviously is paramount. 

@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.

As for cleaning, I read so much conflicting results that I went all manual, bought a kit with drying rack for 10 lps. batches of 10 at a time is what makes the difference for me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GSSQ1MN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you look at the next to the last photo in this LP listing, you see what I worked out

https://www.ebay.com/itm/George-Harrison/133555126055

my own mix, mostly 91% alcohol, some purchased mix, some jet dry rinsing agent from dishwasher.

lid from Chinese soup container to protect paper label

Scrub with vigor using baby scalp brush.

https://www.amazon.com/Scalp-Scrubbie-Sterile-Cradle-Sponge/dp/B005EJ7YH4/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n...

set up where you can listen to music

Do you have a dust issue? i.e. forced hot air/ac system, with a supply/return grille causing air flow with dust?

IF so, perhaps a separate fine filter applied to that grille, removable for periodic cleaning.

I always preferred Shure cartridges with attached damped brushes. The brush helps with dust that ’just landed’ before the stylus gets there, and somewhat with static. Also, Shure’s brushes are/were damped, helping it two ways. 1 helps with any warps, 2 helps stylus successfully track at lighter weight.

I am now using a replacement stylus in my Shure V15VxMR body. Jico, SAS, with a brush. However, their brush is NOT damped, just a dust brush, ok, I still like it, but it is good to know the difference, and precision tracking force and anti-skate forces are ’different’ than the calculated .5 gram Shure Damped brush.

I never used them, but I see Pickering and Stanton cartridges have integral brushes (not sure if the brushes are damped).

My first MC cartridge has no brush. OK, but even after deep cleaning of LP, I do find dust on it’s stylus, whereas the Shure on the adjacent arm, I find the dust on the brush.

The brush you posted is impressive looking, a price I would not like, and I don’t have room to mount one anyway, but if you think long, average the cost over years of problem solving, it’s not going to bankrupt you.

i.e. I went thru 2 inexpensive end of play auto lifts before I coughed up the $150. for the Audio Technica one. It is terrific.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT6006R-Safety-Raiser/dp/B07HKX6WL7/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&ke...

However, you need room between your Arm base and the edge of your spinner to mount it (space is reduced by Vintage JVC and Denon direct drives for instance). I can only fit one for my long arm as it's base is further from the spinner's edge.

^^^^Yup, got one of those. 

Get the Audioquest anti static brush for under $30 does the job on static but not that great cleaning.

It may clean the record slow the turntable and make it sound bad would never use this piece of junk.Get the KL Audio KLN LP200 record cleaning machine its much better in fact its the best.Good luck though.

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

The sweeper is really more for anti-static than dust. People who have them notice a noise improvement that seems to be based more on eliminating static than dust. Mike has one, or something like it, and loves it. 

RCM, people think they're getting a record cleaner when really its just to vacuum off the final rinse of records that have already been cleaned. That's because when you talk about getting records absolutely perfectly clean you simply can't do it with the same brush they were just washed with. These machines should all come with at least three brushes. One to vacuum the wash off, one for the rinse, and another for final rinse.  

The best most cost-effective solution I have found is the Walker Enzyme cleaning system. Don't buy the kit, it costs a fortune. Buy refills of the cleaning solution and the Enzyme. Use your own bottles, brushes and filtered water. I vacuum the final rinse off with my VPI but you could probably get about as good result with a clean folded 100% cotton towel. 

The cheap test for static is a $2 can of Static Guard anti-static spray for laundry. I spray this stuff over my cables and around my turntable. Not a big improvement but worth it for those special records. 

 Dust Cleaner/Sweeper-One of those "separate you from your money" devices.

Spend the money for US, if you're that concerned.