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Yet another VPI 16.5 thread

I am considering buying an RCM and am looking at the VPI 16.5. I was looking at some of the threads about it here on A-Gon and I still had some questions.

As best I can tell this thing works by mannually applying the cleaner and the all the machine really does is vacuum it off? Is this correct or is there some other function to the machine? Does it have a resevoir for the used fluid that can them be emptied?

The one thing that concerns me is build quality. There are a lot of people who seem to have them long-term without trouble, but there also seem to be some folks who get them to find wires detached and other QC issues. Does reliability seem to be an ongoing issue with these things?

Finaly, would there be an advantage to spending a little more on somthing like the Sota machine which is a two-arm automatic application setup? The main disadvantage that I can see with automatic application is that it only pumps one kind of fluid, where with a manual machine you can easily use a multi-step process like the Walker system.

Thanks!
grimace

Showing 2 responses by stiltskin

stiltskin
499 posts
 
Grimace,
If you have never owned a record cleaning machine, once you get one, you will wonder why you didn't buy one sooner.

I have owned three models of RCMs over 25 year period, however I wish I kept my highly reliable and efficient though "noisy" VPI16.5.

A VPI17F replaced it a few years ago, this was prior to discovering how effective Walkers Prelude and Step 4 are.
I would of kept the 16.5, it IS a real work horse.

To answer your questions, yes you manually apply the cleaner fluids with the 16.5 while the platter spins at about 15 rpm.
Apply brushes and vacuum off.

Yes these are simple functions however they are HIGHLY effective on vintage and new Lps.

The vacuumed off fluids are drained away through a hose out the bottom into what ever you have on hand, jar , bucket, coffee tin ect.

The 16.5 is built to a price point, it will not take ruff handling, it simply is not built with that in mind, why should it be.

I think most of the problems you read from other users are related to careless use and handling,however there could easily be the odd lemon that left the factory.

In any case I highly recommend the VPI 16.5.
stiltskin
499 posts
 
Gimace,
I use old platter mats, if you dont have any lying around you could source out similar material from a fabric store and make a couple to fit, or what ever.

The vacuum head will last a long time, inspect it every 1000 or so Lps.
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