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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
42659
77 posts
 
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
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Johnny, if you use Walker Prelude but haven't added Step 4, I highly recommend that you get your hands on some and try it! Cheers,

Spencer
42659
77 posts
 
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
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I just received mine. It installed too easilly (VPI 16.5; no set pin). Tried it to make sure no scratches on a real throw-away disc and first shot, no problems. I was surprised after reading these posts-I only ordered it cause it was discontinued; I was on the fence before hearing that. Well, I tried it out with the AI cleaning soultion (3 step) and it made my 2nd throw-away disc not a throw away any more. A pretty beat up Boz Scaggs sounded pretty darn decent.

Great job, Lloyd. I just ordered one for a buddy. Nice Christmas gift.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
I was talking about this with a vendor who makes RCM fluid and as he explained they tried something like this but it left residue behind drying it to the surface with a technical term for it I cant recall (something with a "v")
anyway if you use some food coloring in the fluid on a old album you may notice this affect with the Walker, you may not as I am only passing on anothers attempts at this idea. He also noted that is the entire reason for the brush on the standard wand, it is only there to prevent this drying affect. Talk amongst yourselves.
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