RCM recommendations

Sbrown,
I'm sorry but I'm a bit skeptical, to say the least, about your experiment. The actual cleaning is done by hand, not the 16.5. Considering how strong the vacuum is on the VPI machine, I seriously doubt it leaves residue that would progressively degrade the sound of the records cleaned with it. Perhaps you need to perfect your cleaning technique or use different brushes. I also seriously question paying well over $2000 for a cleaning machine for an individual use unless you're very rich. I've used the VPI machine and it's a fantastic performer for the price.

Actusreus,you are free to be skeptical. Run the test your self and make your own conclusions. I ran the test because I wanted to know for myself first hand. Now I do to my statisfaction and I have passed on what I've learned. IMO, it's equivelent to a component upgrade.

Is 2k alot for a RCM? Depends on how much time and money you have sunk into building your collection. Just starting out, probably not. For those with a large collection, it's worth it.

Probably the best RCM was or is the Keith Monks RCM. Library of Congress had four of them at one time. Not sure if they are still around or not. Do remember they were very expensive and big and heavy. Most likely not for home use.

Sbrown,
Would I like a $2500 RCM better than a $600 RCM? I certainly would and should. I know I would also like a $300 stylus gauge that tells me the VTF to five decimal points better than a $70 one that only tells me only three decimal points (God forbid I used the Shure!). However, just as I don't think you need to get the VTF correct to the fifth decimal point to get fantastic sound out of your vinyl I also don't believe a $2500 RCM is necessary to get a record clean enough to have a superb sound as opposed to a $600 RCM. In fact, a lot of vinyl lovers don't even own a RCM and it doesn't stop them from enjoying their collections.

I think it's doing the OP a disservice to be putting down a $650 RCM (pricier than some of the decent tt/cart combos for beginners available on the market) when he's been cleaning his record without a vacuum pump at all.

I have no doubt your RCM is great.

Not to start a whole new debate thread here of which is better, but maybe some suggestions might be in order?

I own-use the 16.5, but never the Loricraft (yet). I've heard a bit of pro, and con about the Loricraft. I do understand it is a bit more complex machine that can have it's issues, and perhaps much of the con about it, was largely due to a lack of proper user set-up-maintainence.

I know that in the past, Doug Deacon who seems to know quite well, the ins, and outs of the Loricraft has offered much help, and tips to others about extracting its best performance.

I believe the same can be said about the VPI Machines as well, that one needs to examine, and insure the Vacuum Wand is properly adjusted for height set-up. It is adjustable, via Collar on the Vacuum Tower. There is also a bit of adjustment as to the angle of the Vacuum Slot in relation to the record.

I seen a recent thread on vinylengine which some claim the slot needs to be exactly perpendicular to the record's surface. I don't believe this is correct, that the Slot does need to be ever so slightly tilted to enhance efficient fluid pickup.

If this is uncertain to some as to which is true, it's nothing more than a simple email off to VPI to get the straight dope from the horse's mouth.

While it is probably true that the amount of physical contact that the wand creates upon a record could be detrimental versus a string feed type machine, I believe those detrimantal effects can be lessened with some fine tuning.

This characteristic of a change in sonics could also possibly be enhanced by dragging a Wand with flithy protective strips from a perviously cleaned record across the following record. Another claimed dislike, is the possibility of cross contamination of fluids, and/or rinses.

These issues I feel can be lessened with regular periodic cleaning of the wand, and as well, the use of at least another spare Vacuum Wand Assembly. The cost for at least one more additional Wand to dedicate for the final rinse is not that bad, I believe around $70.

I have heard of one person going to the greater length of having a dedicated Vacuum Wand for each step of a multi-step cleaning process.

In any case, virtually all will tell you the great importance of a final rinse step. I myself personally would not believe any cleaning product manufacturer's claims that thier cleaners come completely off a record, without leaving any traces of residues. Mark