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Why are record cleaners so expensive?

Full disclosure: I have only the Spin-Clean record cleaner and a Hunt EDA brush to clean my vinyl, but as someone who's been in the digital side of audiophilia for decades, and as someone who knows how much gear can get in any dedicated hobby, I'm still curious as to why a high end vinyl cleaner can cost more than three grand.

I'm not disputing the price; after all, Smith said that something's worth whatever someone pays for it. Moreover, a high end record cleaner might be able to do things to vinyl that nothing else can. Still, paying three grand for an Audio Desk cleaner seems a bit out of reason. $3K can buy a good set of speakers; a hand-made fly-fishing rod based on your height and weight and arm length; two weeks at a Fijian resort for two; a custom-made suit from an Italian mill. So why is a glorified vacuum cleaner $3K?

Again, not flaming, just curious. Enlighten me?

s
simao

Showing 8 responses by slaw

slaw's avatar
slaw
22,567 posts
 
whart,

Why do you seem to find "sucking out" any contaminants better than allowing a "blow dry" method? It could only be that, your method still has crud at that stage, when my method has methodically washed away in an organic way, all of the crud that you want to continue to keep "in the conversation" at this point.

I can possibly accept your method if that is superior to mine. Thinking it through, however, I still find my method superior.
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,567 posts
 
It kind of bothers me, that, you can, "on the fly" seemingly, locate my location. Why, would you even find a need to try? This IS just a discussion. Then, upon your, (finding my location), find it OK to broadcast it to the world, via, this forum... Wow!

Please reply to all of the above?
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,567 posts
 
I apologize to (simao).

My past comments were focused to whart.
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,567 posts
 
whart,

You are correct. One can "pluck the lp out" before the drying cycle, (and then simply press the off switch. Yes, really.

I've never used a Loricraft but I can surmise that anytime two differing components meet/touch, there is some sort of reaction. If one steams first, as do I, then there is little to no crud to be sucked up in the first place in the later steps I outline.

Therefore, If one uses my method, allowing the Audio Desk to blow dry the much cleaner lp is the better way. (This is my last step)

My method:

I apply cleaner
I steam both sides
I then use the VPI as another way of rinsing/extracting anything left on the lp
I then use the Audio Desk
I then set it ti dry further

Cheers!
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,567 posts
 
Somehow... after reading your last post, I find it hard for others reading this to accept your initial post as something they should really consider if you find it applicable enough to try and post my "whereabouts", only to realize you are wrong?

Whatever???
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,567 posts
 
whart,

I just want you to address the above topic without transferring, somehow, your posts in a way that allows you to be absolved from ( YOUR PAST POSTS).

I addressed your response to my way of cleaning lps. Now, somehow, you have transferred the/your need to show us all your "better way" of cleaning lps after my last post. Somehow, people that (don't accept their failings, have a GREAT ability, to transfer their failings upon another)

Somehow, now I'm the BAD GUY!
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,567 posts
 
I'm #@@#%ing tired of this forum!

See ya!
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,567 posts
 
whart:,

One can remove an lp before the drying cycle starts on an Audio Desk. But, Why?

Vacuuming dry is effective but has the deleterious affect of infusing static electricity back into the clean vinyl record.

Cedar: I wholeheartedly agree that one has to (enjoy) the process. Otherwise, it is failed effort over the long haul and if you dread cleaning, the lps will suffer, so will your listening pleasure.
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