Walker Vortex Vacuum Wand for VPI


Hello all,
From a thread over on the Asylum, I noted Walker has introduced an Arm Wand for VPI RCMs.
After reading it's description at Elusive Disc, I can't help but think that this Delrin Wand, with no protective strips, coming in contact with the vinyl, no matter how one adjusts the Wand Tower, will be "kind" to the vinyl?

The other item included with the Wand, is two little O-rings, placed on Spindle, said to keep the record from touching the Mat. Wouldn't a rubber washer serve the same purpose?

Perhaps too new to hear other's opinions? I like the idea of never needing to worry about velvet strips going bad, less chance of cross-contamination, etc, but just cannot seem to get past the idea of the Delrin contacting Vinyl? Mark
markd51

Showing 3 responses by 42659

I recently purchased the Walker Vortex tube and thus far I am very, very impressed with the improved sound quality. Set up of the Vortex was a hassle as it took me over 1 hour to get it to operate correctly but after I figured it out and started cleaning records I can never go back to the standard VPI tube again. The veil was removed as the music was more vivid with stunning clarity and this was only with a re-rinse using the Walker prelude step 3. I was not expecting a sonic improvement of this magnitude.

Johnny
Yes Spencer I am going to try step 4 soon. Most have had a positive responce to step four. Tom Port indicated that some records sounded better with step four and some did not so he is not using it but I will try for myself in a few weeks to evaluate. So glad I purchased the Vortex and now will never look back.

Johnny
I forgot to mention previously that older records from the 60's and 70's that I purchased used seemed to benefit the most from the Walker Vortex cleaning. There is definitely record to record variance in terms of improved sound quality with the Vortex but with some of my older original pressings the sonic improvement was remarkable. I cleaned several newer 180 gram reissues with the vortex and although they also sounded clearer the difference was not nearly as great compared to some of my 40 year old vinyl. It is also interesting that, at least in my case, imaging improved both left to right and front to back. Voices and instruments were more clearly placed and better defined on the sound stage after the Vortex cleaning. I am now fully realizing my deep my Dynavector XV1's cartridge can go in pulling out musical detail from vinyl.

Johny